Manor College Graduate Turns Late Asperger’s Diagnosis to Inspire Career in Education

Posted on

Nicolas Altomare ‘22, ‘25 (Philadelphia/New Foundations Charter High School) graduated from Manor College with his Associate’s Degree in 2022. He completes his Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. 

When Nicolas Altomare was in 5th grade, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication. The condition is normally discovered between 5-9 years old, a few or several years earlier than when Altomare received his diagnosis. 

He remembered working hard just to fail a few classes or just barely pass another. Socially, he interacted with others differently than other children did. It wasn’t until a teacher fresh out of college noticed Altomare showcased signs of Asperger’s in his fifth-grade class–and that made all the difference. 

Altomare did better, receiving resources like extra time on tests or some additional attention. It wasn’t until he graduated high school and entered college where a change became apparent. 

Even though years have passed since his diagnosis, Altomare uses the experience to drive him. He feels like if he could have gotten diagnosed earlier, he would’ve received resources that could’ve helped him perform better in the classroom. 

“I felt like I was done wrong by my childhood education,” Altomare said. “I want to make sure I can help children become who they are earlier and maybe nurture their strengths to help build their weaknesses.”

On May 15, Altomare graduates from Manor College with his Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. After graduation, he’ll be working as a Teacher’s Assistant at Bright Horizons in University City. 

Altomare’s goal is to be the educator who not only connects children with resources but supports them unconditionally – a mindset shaped by the support he received at Manor.

During the Summer of 2024, Altomare came out as bisexual. After his parents, one of the first people he came out to was Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks, Altomare’s advisor at Manor. 

“She’s been with me since the beginning,” Altomare said. “I knew that she wouldn’t care about my orientation. I was the same person to her regardless.”

Crosby-Weeks remembered the moment, saying, “That conversation happened during one of our regular conversations, as he would often stop by the office to say hello to me. We’re very close. I’m proud of the man he has become and his growth since he first arrived at Manor.” 

It wasn’t only Crosby-Weeks who was supportive, but the entire group of friends Altomare made while attending Manor. 

“Through all of that, I had friends who helped me become who I am,” Altomare said. “I met a lot of great people here, and meeting those people helped me figure out what I wanted to do in life.”

Meet Our Graduates
More on Commencement 2025
More on Manor College