Tristan Throup aims to break down stereotypes about people living with autism with his new book, Autism as a Disability?
The West Gippsland man hopes to correct common misunderstandings around autism by sharing his experiences living with the condition.
Mr Throup has also included a note to parents with autistic children who once were bullies to children on the spectrum.
“It covers more about Asperger’s, which is on the autism spectrum,” he said.
Aside from self-publishing his book, Autism As A Disability?, he has a paid job and works casually and spends his time writing or researching to educate himself.
Mr Throup is launching his book in Latrobe Valley on Thursday, May 10 at the Traralgon Library.
The launch will start at 2pm where he will discuss his book and his experiences being on the autism spectrum.
“I’m going to talk about my book and my experiences with autism,” he said.
“I’ll have questions and give answers.”
Diagnosed at the age of five, Mr Throup said he had been known to be troublesome in school.
“I had limited communication skills and I had tested everyone I knew,” he said.
Mr Throup said that he didn’t believe autism should be regarded as a disability and hoped to normalise the condition.
“Employers should be more aware of some differences, like they have difficulties with communication skills but at the same time, they can be really good workers,” he said.
“[In] my book, [what] I hope to present is to educate people, even parents, and as insights into what autistic people can be capable of.”
Mr Throup said he had trouble noticing the characteristics of other autistic people and educated himself on the matter and, in turn, hoped to educate the wider community.
At the book launch, Autism As A Disability will be available for purchase for $15, otherwise it can be purchased on Amazon and Booktopia.
*Luke George is a Kurnai College student performing work experience with the Latrobe Valley Express.
