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An autistic mum who overcame bullies who urged her to commit suicide is coming to Birmingham to tell her story.

Jennifer O’Toole’s schooldays were made a misery by classmates jealous of her academic success, while she ended up in a violent relationship in college.

Now aged 37, the US mother-of-three was only diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, two years ago.

Jennifer, who has written two books on the subject, said: “I was light years ahead of my peers academically and I just didn’t grasp that this might cause jealously.

“One guy at school would tell me: ‘Go kill yourself’ every day.

“When I was finally diagnosed I had a light bulb moment and everything finally made sense.

“There is still a stigma attached to autism and I want to show you can have a satisfying and wonderful life with or without Asperger’s Syndrome.”

Jennifer, from Charlotte, North Carolina, will host a discussion on women with autism and their experience of the world at Old Silhillians Sports Club Pavilion, in Knowle, at 7pm tomorrow.

“Last time I was in the Midlands I had such a great reaction from the families,” she said.

“After my talks people often come to me crying with happiness because it is the first time they have heard someone say something positive about their child having autism.

“That shouldn’t be the case.

“It is really important that we have a better understanding of why our children are acting as they do, and then they can have happier lives.

Kevin Baskerville, of KB Autism Services in the West Midlands, said: “This presentation has brought global audiences to tears as parents and teachers feel that, for the first time, Asperger’s is presented without stigma, judgment or foreboding.”

Tickets are available on 07962 258 372 or by emailing kbautism@hotmail.com