I wanted to share with you my daughter Rachel. I will remember always getting the phone call from the preschool telling me that they thought something was wrong because she was not interacting with the other children. They encouraged me to get an early childhood evaluation. It was an emotional time but I remember just wanting to do everything I could for her to help. This lead to an eventual diagnosis of Asperger's. Many years of speech/ language, occupational therapy and social skills groups later,she is now 17 and a senior at high school. She plans to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist. She has just won the title of Miss Florida Collegiate America and will complete this summer with girls from across the nation representing every state and Canada. When she was younger we put her in pageants as a way to gain confidence, speak to others and make friends, and gain social skills along with doing volunteering and community service. Her platform is called The Ability Beyond Disabilities and is focused on helping people with disabilities realize their potential and building confidence to follow their dreams. She is the international spokesperson for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida. Also a member of the International Thespian Honor Society and a vocalist. Rachel is a youth board member for Conserve it Forward which promotes environmental awareness and education. Also an ambassador for Artista's Academy, which is a place that believes every individual with autism has unique talents, abilities and purpose, encouraging individuals and changing the way people with autism work, play, and live in their communities. She is also involved with the Inspire Foundation that provides the arts and music to children with disabilities, and the Mr. Strong Foundation which raises money to provide therapy such as occupational, speech / language, and physical therapy to children. It has been a special journey to see Rachel as a young person who needed the therapy and assistance, to now watch her turning the tables and become the person that is passionate about helping others.

Barbara Barcellona
Palm Harbor, FL