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Sarah Stup of Frederick, MD, is a 23-year-old writer with autism—and a mission. Her dream is to help others better understand and accept people with autism. That message is at the heart of her recently released books: Do-si-Do with Autism, for children, and Are your eyes listening?, for adults. “Even though my sounding voice is broken, I want to use my loud typing voice to send messages of hope and understanding,” Sarah says. “With my writing I can let people know that those of us with disabilities are real people worth knowing.” Sarah wrote Do-si-Do with Autism as a way to introduce children to the importance and joy of building meaningful relationships with those who have autism and other developmental disabilities. The book’s star is Taylor, the turtle with autism, who shares what it is like to feel pain from the overwhelming movements and sounds around him. His feelings are especially pronounced on square dance day at school when, filled with dread, he retreats to the sidelines and finds solace in his beloved books. To his surprise, however, his classmates follow his lead and, in doing so, begin to focus less on their differences and more on all they have in common. Are your eyes listening? is a unique collection of some of Sarah’s most heart-warming and heart-wrenching poems, reflections and essays. Through her vivid imagery, she takes readers inside “the beast,” but also reveals the special gifts it imparts. The book is about more than autism, however; rather, it is a book about life. From family to oceans, coffee to snowflakes, writing to love-she shares her insights about each, and in doing so, puts her in the company of other great young writers. “Sarah helps us see autism as sometimes impossible, sometimes beautiful and always complex,” says Paula Kluth, Ph.D., author of You’re going to love this kid!: Teaching students with autism in the inclusive classroom. It is this complexity that gives Do-si-Do and Are your eyes listening?such broad appeal. While some read the books for inspiration, others use them as learning tools for autism, civic and church groups, as well as for teachers and the media. To purchase Do-si-Do with Autism ($15) or Are your eyes listening? ($18), visit SarahStup.com. Special rates are available for multiple orders and for groups purchasing books as fundraisers. For details, contact Sarah@SarahStup.com or call 301-662-2042.
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