How this young man with autism is turning negative experiences into teachable moments

High school wasn’t a pleasant experience for Tim Rohrer, but he looks back knowing it didn't have to be that way.

The 24-year-old from Monmouth County was bullied, lonely, excluded and sad.

Rohrer, who has autism, has turned a negative experience into something positive, choosing to use his voice for others though speaking engagements throughout New Jersey to promote acceptance and inclusion for those with disabilities.

"I felt sad that students were never really taught how to treat people with disabilities, therefore leaving people with autism and other disabilities out," he said. "It made me sad to feel isolated along with the rest of the disabled community, and that's when I wanted to do something about it. I thought writing publications and speaking in public would help educate how to understand and include those with disabilities."

Initially his efforts to advocate for himself and others at school while a student were unsuccessful, but after graduation Rohrer wrote a guide on how to treat and communicate with people with disabilities – and it went viral.

"That started it all," said Amy Rohrer, Tim’s mother. "All over the world, he started having requests to create more resources to speak. It just spiraled. And then it turned into a natural career for him. It's wonderful."

He would create a website and social media for his work before developing presentations for school assemblies and organizations.

Rohrer now travels across the state sharing his story and advocating for inclusion and acceptance. He’s spoken at more than 150 schools, including his alma mater where he receives a warm welcome, and to students throughout Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, where he will return to some of the same schools this fall.

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He’s presented at gatherings of the New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education, and Autism New Jersey, among others, and most recently presented to the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey in Piscataway.

He hopes to expand his mission throughout the country.

"I would really like to speak to other schools, not just in New Jersey, but in other states, whether they have me virtually or in person," said Rohrer, who presented virtually for a Virginia school last year.

How to be inclusive ...

The hardest challenge Rohrer faced in school was fitting in socially. Now, he advises students of all ages on the issue.

"My favorite part of my assemblies is answering the students’ questions," said Rohrer, who added the secret to being inclusive is simple – be a friend. "They ask me about my challenges, being bullied, friendships and much more."

"People with disabilities want to have fun too," he said. "If you see someone who is different from you, that means that they might have a disability. Don’t be afraid of them. They just want to be like everyone else."

Rohrer doesn't have trouble making friends anymore, including former classmates.

"I reconnected with some," he said. "One of them apologized for leaving me out. Another friend was part of Unified Bowling, where they integrate special education students with regular students to go bowling together. He was one of the only students who had a genuine friendship with me and a few other kids with disabilities."

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And he made more friends at a young adult church group.

"He shared his story when it was published and they just applauded him and accepted him and started saying, 'Let's hang out,' and gave him their phone numbers," his mom said. "And it just completely changed him. They embraced him and helped him. And then they said, 'Come speak to our other groups because you can't just get up there and speak without some practice.' So they helped him get a start."

Tim's story

Rohrer was nonverbal until about age 5 and couldn’t speak sentences until he was 8.

"He had a lot of academic challenges," his mom said. "I was that parent who worried at night, what would he do? Would he be able to succeed and have a career? I never would have anticipated this."

In his younger years Rohrer didn’t experience exclusion or bullying. He had friends, parents set up playdates and there were birthday parties to attend. In middle school those invites started to slow and by high school Rohrer felt very alone. He was bullied and left out.

"It wasn't really until high school that it really bothered him, and then, he had issues," his mom said. "It was really difficult emotionally."

Rohrer never shared with classmates he has autism. Educators knew, but at the time Rohrer thought telling others would make the bullying even worse. It was only in writing that first pamphlet guide where he revealed the truth.

"It has completely changed his life," his mom said.

During the pandemic, Rohrer put that "downtime" to good use, creating even more resources and presentations, including one about transitioning from school into the "real world" as an adult with disabilities.

He began a YouTube channel and animated videos about inclusion, and he wrote and illustrated his first children's book; he’s now the author of two – "Timmy’s Story: A Story about Autism and Friendship" and "Timmy’s Story: A Sensory Friendly Birthday." Both are available on Amazon.

Rohrer's time is now spent creating content, going to speaking engagements, the gym and working at ShopRite four evenings a week. He also advocates for government officials to pass legislation requiring school districts to educate about autism and disability acceptance, just like drug awareness and bullying education has been mandated.

"We are teaching people with disabilities how to communicate with others," he said. "Why can't we teach those without disabilities how to communicate with people who have disabilities?"

He also makes time to socialize with friends.

His life has changed for the better.

For more information go to Rohrer’s website – tips4inclusion.wixsite.com/disabilityinclusion – or email him at tips4inclusion2018@gmail.com.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Tim Rohrer: NJ man with autism advocates for inclusion