<p>I am thinking about using having Asperger's syndrome and how it has affected my life in my college essay.
I was diagnosed with a mild form of Asperger's syndrome at a very young age and I have always struggled with it to a point that I have ''overcome'' it in a certain way. People with Asperger's are generally considered to be antisocial and not able to adapt to changes, as well as other things. However, I have emigrated to another country where I learned two languages and have made a big group of friends and I sort of ''fit in'' (I hate that expression). So no special school, no social outcast, etc. When I confess to people I have autism they always tell me that they haven't noticed it for a single second and they tend not to believe me.
So would an essay about having Asperger's, its effect on my childhood and my battle with it until the present day be a good thing for an application or do you think that it is too much or that when admissions officers read the word ''autism'' they immediately throw away my app.
Do you think this is a good idea? Thank you!</p>
<p>sounds like a great topic! Just keep in mind that you should really show colleges who you are through your essay; that is the point of the essay: to fill in the gaps that your grades/extracurriculars could not.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your feedback! Anybody else something to comment?</p>
<p>I wrote an essay on having high functioning autism. I don’t think to me it is worth hiding it’s who you are. Also write about your life and things you have done.</p>
<p>Yes, I think it would show who you are and how you have overcome a challenge. Also keep in mind that Asperger’s can be a gift. Do you have any outstanding talents and interests? What did you do to help overcome the social challenges? These are also your strengths. I think there are many positive aspects to AS- loyalty, hard working. Consider addressing some of the stereotypes that people have about autism and show that they are not necessarily true- that people with AS do make friends, adapt to new situations, and that you have what it takes to do well in college.
I hope a school would not discriminate, but I understand the fear of people not understanding, yet many well accomplished people have AS.</p>