Man With Autism Tells Middletown Kids: Friendship Is Best Way To Help

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — April is Autism Awareness Month and a young man who has autism came in and spoke to third, fourth and fifth graders at Bayview Elementary.

The man is Tim Rohrer and he is the author of a children's book, "Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship!" The book is for sale on Amazon, has been purchased by many New Jersey school districts and is currently being used in classrooms.

Rohrer, from Millstone Township, is now 22. But he said when he was in elementary and middle school, he was bullied by other kids, and excluded.

He now speaks to schools across New Jersey because he wants to make sure what he experienced never happens to another child again.

Rohrer's main message to Bayview kids is that autism is an "unseen disability" and the most important way you can help someone with autism is to provide them support, friendship and love.

"I am a young adult who has autism and knows how hard it is to fit in socially," he said in his presentation. "Please teach your children to be kind and include anyone that is struggling with a disability ... Due to my autism, I faced social isolation. They excluded me from being their friend. My main goal is to educate everyone (especially young children) how to understand someone with a disability and how to socialize with them. I want social isolation among people with disabilities to be a part of the past."

He told the Bayview children that he was often very lonely as a child. He said the best thing they can do for anyone who appears different is to simply be nice to them and be their friend.

Here are some practical tips to talk about with your kids:

• If you see another child sitting or playing alone, offer them to talk with you or play with you. They would be happy if they had someone to play with. But if they don’t want to play or talk, don’t force them to talk or play with you.

• Invite them to join your group of friends. People with disabilities want to have fun, too. Invite them to sit with you at lunch or snack time. Even invite them to play with you on the playground during recess.
• Give them compliments. Tell them things like “I like your clothes today.” or “You are such a great friend.” Compliments can brighten up their day.
• Be sure to spend time with them outside of school. Invite them to come over for a playdate or for a party. Try inviting them to spend time with you and your group of friends to the park, movies, bowling, mini golf, library or the museum.

Rorher now works as a speaker, self-advocate and educator with autism. He has presented across the country at schools, workshops and conferences, as well as the New Jersey Department of Education, where he received a commendation from the New Jersey Legislature.

He has been profiled in the Star-Ledger, has a YouTube channel: Tips4Inclusion and promotes his message through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tips4...

"We were so thankful that Tim came to tell us about his journey as a young child, as well as the challenges he has faced, and his many helpful tips for inclusion in our community," said Bayview Elementary School principal Tara Raspanti.