My name is Jennalee. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 11. My parents always suspected there was something different about me, but it took a series of visits with neurologists in order for me to receive the proper diagnoses, after having been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder in preschool or kindergarten. I had intense obsessions with maps, nature, and animals during childhood. I barely even talked until I was 8 years old. I attended two K-12 special education private schools, one during grades K-3, one during grades 7-12, and I attended public schools during grades 4-6. At both my first school and the public schools, I was constantly bullied by students my own age, but I got along incredibly well with many older students who accepted me for who I am and would do anything possible to bring me out of my shell. I wandered around a lot, I fidgeted constantly, and I struggled to make eye contact or sit still in class. When I was in 7th grade, I went to a school more conducive to Asperger’s Syndrome that helped me succeed academically and led me to become a social butterfly today. I also met my long-term and current boyfriend at that school and we are very happy. There I earned numerous new friends of all ages who accepted me for who I am. I have attended 1 community college as well as 2 four-year colleges, all places of which I made amazing friends who accepted me for who I am despite my Autism. I am currently a junior in college majoring in social work with a concentration in child welfare and minor in childhood studies, as my dream is to give back to the community and help other people in honor of how people helped me through my struggles with Autism. I have Autism, but Autism doesn’t have me. Instead, Autism makes me better equipped for understanding other people with special needs and academic difficulties. If I can succeed, so can you! Never allow Autism to stop you from pursuing your dreams!

Jennalee
Mount Holly, NJ