Uncommon app essays: Michael Stahler

I was 12 years old when I read the letter addressed to my parents, a confidential report that would define most of my adolescent life. It was the results of a psychological assessment administered at school. Even though I was only a 6th grader, I was still old enough to understand the gist of my diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. I was devastated. Suddenly just a pair of words differentiated me from my peers, isolating me in my conception of myself. On the other hand, some things started to make more sense to me. I had always felt exceptionally different from my peers and often struggled in social situations. Sometimes I would unintentionally rub people the wrong way, and I spent a lot of time alone. While other kids would be socializing in the cafeteria, I would sit alone reading about such topics as the geography of Scotland, the history of poaching, or the Loch Ness Monster.

At first I was crestfallen and confused, but then this realization became a “wake up call” to work on the deficits inherent in this condition. I worked to overcome my social ineptness by studying the social tendencies of others and adopting them. I also had some wonderful, caring special education teachers who helped me understand how to better perceive social cues. Strategic problem solving was very helpful in working through many of my social issues. As an “Aspie kid,” I don’t just think outside the box, I live outside the box! When something strikes a neurological chord with me, it catalyzes a fire that makes me consume virtually all the available information about the subject.

It has not been an easy path, and I continue to work hard to overcome the difficulties that most of my peers take for granted. As a way of facing disability and to challenge myself not to hide from the social spotlight, I have embraced public speaking

I realize I will never overcome my condition--I accept it and realize it will always be a part of me. In fact, I no longer view it as a disability but as a gift.

#mexico