Community Corner

(Video): Lilburn Resident Shines Light on Autism

Diagnosed with autism at 27, Laura Nadine is hoping more people learn not to limit the future of others like her.

"Just because I was born different, doesn't mean I was born a failure."

Laura Nadine leads her newest project, "Raise Me Up," with these words. Diagnosed with autism at 27, she knows something about being misunderstood.

It was difficult, she says, managing through life. Thanks to a beloved childhood violin teacher Stefanie Graef Carr, Nadine says she began to find her voice. 

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"She was of the few teachers that I had growing up that didn't mind all of the oddities that I had," Nadine said. "She was always able to work around the problem."

Nadine went on to become a talented violinist, who also teaches -- focused on  making sure that her students seize their potential despite any challenges.

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She's a mom, as well, of two teenagers. With one of her children also having autism, Nadine is better able to parent with her knowledge -- and compassion -- concerning the disorder.

With her newest film project, she's hoping others also see that the success of children with autism is not pre-written, not limited because of it.

That more opportunities should be availed to people with autism. That being misunderstood doesn't mean being relegated to dark corners and dark outcomes.

Someone once instilled that in her, and she hopes to leave a legacy of doing the same. 

"I'm hoping that this film lets people know that we have strengths," she said. "Just because we can't carry an interview very well, or write up a great-looking resume, it doesn't mean we're not capable of providing something for the community."

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