Aspergian Pride

Craig Pierson, who received an autism diagnosis in early childhood and did not speak until age 5, will graduate tomorrow from Barron Collier High School in Naples, Florida, with a 4.0 grade point average.  A member of the mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta, he has been taking five advanced placement courses while also participating in school clubs and playing the violin as a member of his school’s string orchestra.

He will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University on a full scholarship.   Based on his excellent academic accomplishments, he was awarded the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.  He enjoys reading and studying, and he intends to become a disability lawyer.

As reported in the Naples Daily News, “he views his life as a battle to overcome society’s views of autistic behaviors.”

Autistic teenager Kyle Cramer of Coburg, Oregon, who has set records in archery and has won state and national championships, hopes to compete in the Olympics.  He took up the sport after watching the movie “The Lord of the Rings” because his favorite character was the archer Legolas.

Kyle’s archery instructor and his father both agree that Kyle’s autism helps him to succeed in archery because of his excellent ability to focus and concentrate.  Kyle is very dedicated to the sport and regularly practices shooting arrows in his backyard or at an indoor archery range after school.