Autism and friendship: Children's book by two young Millstone men shares their experience

The first paragraph leaps off the page and grabs you by the collar.

“Timmy is a cute boy who is funny and smart but does not have any friends,” it reads. “There are things that make him different from the rest of the kids in his neighborhood and at school.”

Thus begins “Timmy’s Story: A Story about Autism and Friendship,” a 31-page children’s book written and illustrated by 20-year-old Tim Rohrer with graphic design assistance by his 18-year-old friend Anthony San Philips. Both live in Millstone, and both have autism.

They hustled to self-publish the book in April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

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“I want children to learn about autism,” Rohrer said. “I feel there is a need for more books about autism, disabilities and inclusion.”

At least two local school districts agree. Upper Freehold Regional School District and Millstone Township School District each purchased 100 copies for placement in school libraries and individual classrooms.

“It’s a fantastic message,” Millstone superintendent Christopher Huss said. “It’s a personal message, so that resonates with kids even more. It makes a much greater impact.”

Rohrer, who attended Millstone public schools and Allentown High School, has been an advocate for the inclusion of youths and young adults with disabilities for the past few years. He’s published a widely distributed pamphlet, done a speaking tour and recently launched a YouTube channel (title: Tips4Inclusion).

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“I’m sure we’ll have Tim in to talk to classes about the book at some point,” Upper Freehold superintendent Mark Guterl said, adding that he is recommending the book to fellow superintendents.

“It’s not just for our district; it’s universal,” Guterl said. “For example, why loud fire alarms cause stress and anxiety, the book helps explain this.”

It’s on page 27, when the book’s helpful teacher, Ms. Bethany, tells her students how Timmy “uses sensory toys to help him with things like sound and touch.” But, she added, "Timmy also likes art, music and recess just like any other kid.”

As a result, the passage concludes, “The kids learned that being different didn’t mean they couldn’t all be friends.”

Rohrer writes from the heart. As a teen he felt left out by peers, excluded. By reaching an elementary-school audience, he’s hoping to change that for the next generation.

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“There’s a lack of knowledge on how to understand someone with autism, and they very often are misinterpreted,” Rohrer said. “For all the times people with disabilities advocate to be included, the way to win the fight is to reach people without disabilities who might not be exposed to those with disabilities.”

His first foray into advocacy came in 2019 with a pamphlet titled, “How to be a Good Influence to People with Disabilities.” That launched a series of speaking engagements, which came to a halt when the pandemic began. Learn more about it in the video at the top of this story.

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“People had told him he should write a book,” said Amy Rohrer, his mother. “He was doing all these presentations and then COVID hit, so he had to reinvent himself.”

After producing the words and drawings for “Timmy’s Story,” Rohrer enlisted graphic design help from San Philips, an Allentown High School student who aspires to be a graphic designer.

“He has autism, too, and we’ve been childhood friends,” Tim said. “It’s really special to bring him in to help with the book.”

Story continues after gallery below.

More collaborations are coming. Rohrer envisions a series of “Timmy Stories” after the enthusiastic reception of this first edition.

“It’s amazing, taking that experience (of exclusion) and making it into something positive,” sad Lucy San Philips, Anthony’s mom. “Him and Tim have worked really hard to be where they are. They’re two remarkable young men, and I am very proud of them.”

“Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship” is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

For more information, visit Tim Rohrer's website at https://tips4inclusion.wixsite.com/disabilityinclusion.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Autism and friendship: Children's book by two young Millstone men shares their experience

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