A kind of diary across time in Tuurtje's life in which the writer gives a lot of space to the unfathomable range of forms of autism. The story of Tuurtje is largely based on the writer's own childhood and later youth. Most of it actually happened. It is his most honest story.
In addition to providing a glimpse into his world, he sharpens the senses of others who see autism as a disease that is always recognizable and can be solved with a pill. Dries shows very forcefully that this is not the case. Living with autism, in any form, is a form of hard work. In its own unique way, which makes every person unique.
This children's book is mainly for children with autism and normal giftedness. The story is addressed to them. But also young and not so young, with or without ASD, can read this beautiful work and learn from it.
Dries Gilleaert:
Dries (1990) lives in Oudenburg, Flanders. The writer's blood has been running through his veins for a long time. Writing keeps him afloat. It is his hold. Since childhood, he has written down everything about his feelings and thoughts. The difficulties surrounding his ASD (autism spectrum disorder). His intention for years has been to understand himself better, as well as that others could/want to understand him better. Making the invisible visible. Thanks to the “written word”.
General
Author
Dries Gilleart
Illustrator / Photographer
Mieke Drossaert
Editorial
Final editing: Inanna van den Berg
Design
Cover: Probeeld ; Pages: Ambilicious Studio | Probeeld