Clara Midgett was born at 26 weeks. Her first five years included a lot of medical challenges, this also included a diagnosis of severe Autism at age three.  Many professionals did not think Clara would ever accomplish simple goals. Clara has proven them wrong more than once.

Clara’s dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism prevents her from being able to communicate orally. This has not stopped her! She is loved by her friends and family and is exceeding goals every day. She is an accomplished writer and will be graduating high school with a regular diploma in 2025. Her mom, Anara, states she would have graduated earlier, but likes to work on her own time. Clara refused to do her geometry last year, so now is working to make up her last half credit. Her younger brother, Alan, is also graduating and has asked if he could walk with her.

Clara was asked to write about herself for the DSAMT Spotlight award. Here is what she had to say: