Becoming an Autism Success Story

Anita Lesko was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age fifty. Despite all the challenges and obstacles, Anita forged ahead to obtain exciting goals.

A 1988 graduate of Columbia University in New York City with a master of science degree in nurse anesthesia, Anita has nearly three decades as a certified nurse anesthesiologist, specializing in anesthesia for neurosurgery.

After seeing Top Gun in 1995, Anita spent the next seven years working towards her dream of flying in a fighter jet. She became an internationally published military aviation photojournalist and got a flight in an F-15. She also spent time with the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Having been honored by the United Nations as a guest speaker for National Autism Day in 2017, Anita is an advocate for people with Asperger’s Syndrome. She started a support group for people of all ages with Asperger’s and their families and friends, which meets monthly. She is the Founder of the Flying High with Autism Foundation, as well as founder and CEO of Born With Asperger’s—an educational and helpful site not only for people with Asperger’s, but their families, employers, fellow employees, educators, neighbors, and anyone who might know someone with Asperger’s.

Her books include: Asperger’s Syndrome: When Life Hands you Lemons, Make Lemonade, The Blue Angel, co-author of Been There, Don’t Try That, Try This! The Aspie Mentor Guide to Life on Earth, a featured chapter in Dr. Temple Grandin’s book Different . . . Not Less, The Complete Guide to Autism and Healthcare: Advice for Medical Professionals and Those on the Autism Spectrum, The Stories I Tell My Friends, Becoming an Autism Success Story and A Food Revolution: How the Plant-Based Lifestyle Can Win the Global War on Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease and Other Diseases.

• Discuss the importance of not focusing on a label
• Explain the importance of getting out and DOING STUFF
• Determine methods to overcome obstacles and reaching goals