I was diagnosed in 2009. I stimmed excessively by flapping my hands, rocking, walkiing in circles. I was in behavioral therapy for several years and had a IEP. Therapy helped me a lot and I was able to be mainstreamed in high school with out a IEP. I had honor roll every year until my senior year and only in one class of economics. My mom has helped me learn a lot. I finally have learned how to shave properly. My mom worked with the state of Alabama on making sure I had the best learning experience and I had all the chances so I can be able to attend my dream school which is Auburn University. If it wasn't for the state of Alabama and cleburne county the doctor may have been right and this wouldn't have been a chance for me to take. I was able to be in marching band and concert and playing the baritone because I had some wonderful teachers helping me and work with my mom to overcome my fear of loud noises. I had to learn how to calm myself and stimming helped a lot when I was young but I did want to stop doing it so much as it was a issue with some of my classmates. They didn't understand why I would do it over and over. By the time I reached my junior year my friend base was large. I still stim but mainly at home. Mainly when I am playing a video game and get excited or stressed. At the end of the day it's ok cause that's how I am and was raised to be. I was taught it is ok to be myself. Some understands it and some doesn't. Again that's ok. My support base is large. I am my mom, dad, brother, entire staff of Ranburne High School, my friends, their parents, my marching band family, marching band from other schools, my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents that are still alive, and my best friend. They all rally behind me and help me overcome every obstacle with love and patience. Now I am ready to go out and start my next journey. I am excited about college and it's my dream school. I have dreamed about Auburn University as far as I can remember. When I was accepted my dream came true. Autism is not going to stop me from excelling and being a wonderful member of society.