When I was born my parents thought I was fine, then I turned 2 and started having developmental delays (not doing things a 2 year old does), so I was evaluated, and I got a helper in the areas that were needed. I stared kindergarten at public school, and stayed there till 2nd, then my parents switched me to a charter school (which I still HATE), called Oakstone Academy where I am now thriving, and I have still made NO friends:( (I am just not social at school). I am a junior, and I have a non paying internship (with our's direction's program, in the bakery). I tutor in a kindergarten class twice a week, I have grown to love charity, I have 15,000 service hours, I do school and community theatre, I go to a jewish sleep-away camp for 8 weeks in the summer, and I have a boyfriend. I am obsessed with Dancing With the Stars, I watch it weekly with my grandparents. I love being around others. It might not always be easy road, but NEVER give up. Look where I am now. I kept with it and stride for everything I can. I don't let autism define or hold me back. I embrace it, and I hope others do the same.

Anonymous
Columbus, OH