Around Maryland

Judy Stup, Sarah’s mom, printed out the questions that I’d emailed so that Sarah could respond to them. Sarah then used her portable typing device to answer the questions in her favorite place to work--her kitchen booth.

The transcript appears below.

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Do you still live in Frederick? Do you live with your family?

Yes, with my parents and cat, Callie. I am happy to live and vote in Frederick.

At what age were you diagnosed with autism?

[Answered by Judy]

Sarah developed normally until about age three, when she became impulsive, hyperactive, and seemed to stop learning new language skills. Then she began to lose the ability to communicate and her speech and physical activities became very regimented. Evaluations began and, at age four, she was diagnosed with a communication disorder and ADHD. Much later, at age eight, she was diagnosed with autism, severe communication disorder, ADD, and perseverative behaviors.

School must have been a challenge. What kind of strategies did you employ to help you achieve your academic successes?

Because I type slowly, I took fewer classes at a time. But I acted as much like others as possible with homework and tests. Earning credits led to a diploma, but I felt like an outsider because some students stared and thought I was a weird beast with autism and not a real person with feelings and wishes.

How do you decide what you’d like to write about?

Poetry and essays describe a world I know. In books, my characters can march out to let others know that people with developmental disabilities can be good citizens worth knowing.

With words, bent and stretched and poked, I hope to make the world a better place for people with disabilities and other differences. My typing voice is growing louder and I feel peaceful and free when writing.

Are you still writing in your kitchen? Can you describe what a typical scene with your writing might look like? 

Your world is painful because I hear and see too well. I know my cozy kitchen booth’s sights and sounds well, so my autism can rest nicely there where I feel calm when writing.

Typing is my voice because my sounding voice is broken. I use a portable typing device or an AlphaSmart keyboard. Mom gives me a touch on the arm to get started and she glues my paper strips for reading. Paper is the holder of who I am.

Do-si-Do with Autism is for middle-schoolers. Is there a reason you picked this grade level? Are you working on another book?

Do-si-Do with Autism, starring Taylor the Turtle with autism, is for pre-schoolers through 3rd graders. I am now working on a middle grade novel, Paul and His Beast. The beast is his autism. Next I plan to write a young adult one about twin girls, one with autism and the other neurotypical.

In April, a Taylor the Turtle Fun Pack CD/DVD will help very young children understand and make friends with kids with autism. It is packed with disability awareness activities.

How did you become an advocate? What do you most hope to achieve through advocacy?

I am a loud voice with my writing, letting readers know we are real and part of God’s world. We cannot hide in your lonely corners any longer. Some day I hope to build a new exotic garden where two worlds meet and differences are no longer feared.