She was given little hope to ever talk or lead a “typical” life. Theresa did not speak until the age of five and then only in an unrecognizable language that would then end in a word that could be understood. None the less, her family refused to set limits or labels for her.

Driving down a city street one day, Theresa blurted out the name of a sign that she had just read. That’s right. She knew how to read and the sign said “Scuba Enterprises”. The light bulb went on in everyone’s head and we knew that Theresa was being birthed into new dimensions.

She entered school and was in a totally contained in a special education classroom through second grade. Beginning in 3rd grade she was mainstreamed into a regular classroom for 2 subjects. In fourth grade she was totally mainstreamed into a regular classroom for all subjects except math. We are so grateful for those early days when her teachers gave her individual care and concern and refused to set limitations . Finally, at the age of 13, at the suggestion of a school psychologist, Theresa received extensive testing at The Toledo Hospital. She was diagnosed with Aspergers.

She has faced all of the regular or typical deficits attributed to the syndrome, but she was able to be mainstreamed throughout school and graduated high school with very little help, even though she had social awkwardness and deficits. Her siblings protected her from stereotypes and misunderstandings. She has been able to attend 4 universities and colleges and is pursuing a degree in sociology and business to run Theresa’s Twists. Theresa is a dreamer, a hurdle jumper and the most loving person you could meet.

She is the spokesperson for Theresa’s Twists and is available for presentations for your groups and organization.