I have overcome many obstacles in my life; I was not diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome until I was 18 years old. As a young child I did not know why I was so different than others my age, why I could not communicate properly and why I was made fun of for things I did not realize. I did not talk until after age 2 and talk until age 2, I was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental delays, then at age 13 was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. As i grew up I realized there had to be something different about me, which I learned at 18 when I went to a psychologist who diagnosed me as having Asperger’s. Although I have it and it is a part of me I try my best to try not to let it get in my way of achieving my goals. For example I graduated high school with a 3.89 GPA and have graduated with a 3.28 GPA in college with my associate’s degree. Asperger’s to me is a blessing in disguise because it makes my determination extraordinary and I have a great memory. Before I was diagnosed with Asperger’s I had a really tough time understanding my thoughts let alone other people thoughts and actions. I am artistic and my career path is photography, in photography I can express my thought with my client’s photos. Even though autism/Asperger’s is not what a parent wants to hear a doctor say, I am thankful for having it, it has helped me to where I can help others see there is hope for people with an autism spectrum disorder. I hope that this doesn’t only help me, but I want parents and caregivers to see hope for their young children and teenagers.

Julia Triassi
Mansfield, GA