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Article updated: 11/22/2011 1:08 PM

Hoffman Estates man with Asperger's graduating magna cum laude

Finding best use for abilities that stem from his disabilities

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Holding one of the African relics in his bedroom, Jack Donehey-Nykiel of Hoffman Estates explains how his Asperger's syndrome makes some aspects of his life difficult, but also has given him intellectual gifts that enable him to graduate from DePaul University with honors.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Jack Donehey-Nykiel of Hoffman Estates, left, will finish his last class today at DePaul University for a degree in Islamic Studies, Jack suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. Here he is with mom and dad Maureen and Dennis.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Having worked on the social skills that evade many people with Asperger’s syndrome, Jack Donehey-Nykiel of Hoffman Estates jokes with his parents, Maureen and Dennis.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Intrigued by the slave trade, Jack Donehey-Nykiel compiled thousands of names of tribes involved in this journal he kept when he was 8. The Hoffman Estates man has Asperger’s syndrome and is taking his last final exam tonight at DePaul University, where he will graduate with honors.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

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Graduating from college is a dream Jack Donehey-Nykiel, center, couldn’t have accomplished without the love and support of his parents Maureen and Dennis. The 26-year-old man has Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

About this Article

He gets lost a block from his home in Hoffman Estates and sometimes forgets if he's eaten lunch, but Jack Donehey-Nykiel of Hoffman Estates tonight will finish the last class he needs to graduate with honors from DePaul University. Jack was diagnosed as a teen with Asperger's syndrome. “People with Asperger's have lots of issues," he says, "but they also have talents.”