Massachusetts Resident Pens Memoir on Growing Up With Autism

TYNGSBORO, Mass. - May 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Tyngsborough, Mass Resident Tyler Lagasse has written a candid and powerful account of growing up with autism. The book entitled “What Do You Say?...Autism with Character” Is co-written with his mother Deborah Lagasse and gives readers a personal view into the often misunderstood world of autism.

The inspiring book can be found on Amazon:

The book is uniquely written in that Tyler, now 28, gives the readers a detailed account of growing up with autism. He offers many firsthand accounts of various situations in his life and how he sees the world and his immediate surroundings. In the book, his mother Deborah offers her take on many of these events and in many cases, they differ; showing that those on the autism spectrum often do see the world they live in differently.

Tyler showed amazing progress at an early age, reading and writing by the age of two. But by the age of four, still could not communicate verbally which left the family with many unanswered questions. The answer they received was a diagnosis of autism. The family forged ahead together and as a result, Tyler has racked up many wins in all areas of his life, including sports, education and advocacy.

Fast forward to present day, Tyler has been known to give powerful and inspiring speeches as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics; a much different picture than his non-verbal days as a child. His speeches have left audiences large and small literally speechless.

One of Tyler’s other passions is golf which has led him to countless victories both on and off the course. Including two features about him on the Golf Channel. Tyler has seen national competitions several times and has returned home a champion. One of Tyler’s Golf Channel segments can be seen here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOiA4pgR5QE



“It is often said that to understand autism, we need to live in their world,” states Deborah Lagasse. “We hope this book will help people gain a better understanding of what goes on in that often misunderstood world of autism as well as inspire them in their own lives to knock down what seem to be insurmountable odds.”

About the Authors:
Tyler Lagasse has been a Special Olympics athlete since 2002. He has received his associates’ degree with honors from Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts, and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Deborah Lagasse is a teacher at Greater Lowell Technical High School. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s of Education in occupational education from Fitchburg State University. She is married to Ronald Lagasse, and they are the proud parents of Tyler and his older brother, Clint Lagasse. Deborah has worked with many parents on the issue of special needs and educating their children.