My mom is not only my hero, but also my inspiration. I'm a 28 year old Aspie, diagnosed in 1996 at the age of 10 (turned 11 that same year). Even with that diagnoses, my mom refused to let it limit me. She had mainstreamed me up to that point and continued to mainstream me. She always believed that I can do whatever I want to do. She treats me more as a gifted and talented person verses someone who is disabled. Because of her belief and encouragement, I was able to go on to get a university degree and to get a job where my Asperger's is able to be utilized. My bosses there have the same belief system in regards to their employees as my mom does with me-that if we want to learn something, we should be able to. Because of that job, I learned how to knit and crochet and now plan to one day open my own shop selling knitted and crocheted items.
Because of her belief in me, I view my Asperger's not as a disability, but a part of me that helps me be the best I can be. Without her believing in me and supporting me, I likely wouldn't have gotten that university degree, the job, learned how to drive, or get the social skills needed to be in the outside world. I never would have gotten the confidence to be me.
Flint, MI