Student Authors Book To Help Children Cope With Disabilities

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Marchman Technical College student Chris Angilella, 22, has been trying all his life to find a place in a world that doesn't understand him.

Now, he's finding his place through stories he writes and illustrates for other children with disabilities.

Angilella has Asperger's syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. People with Asperger's syndrome often lack emotion. They may speak in a flat, robotic voice and not smile when they're happy or laugh when someone tells a joke.

To protect himself from ridicule, the New Port Richey resident isolated himself from those around him and focused his attention on drawing and writing stories. The pastime has led to the release of his first book designed to help other children with disabilities learn to accept themselves.

Angilella will be on hand for a book signing for "Dotty's Freckles" Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. under the breezeway of Building 7 on the campus of Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive, New Port Richey. A limited number of books will be available for sale at the event.

"Dotty's Freckles" tells the story of a girl named Dotty who always thought she was pretty but began struggling with the way she looks after a bad experience at school. Dotty’s lack of self-esteem takes a positive turn when she meets an unlikely friend who looks just like her.

Angilella said he wrote the book to inspire other children with disabilities and to send the message that all children are exceptional and can accomplish anything. He believes it is important for children to accept themselves and not allow others to affect the way they feel.

Angilella said "Dotty's Freckles" is just the beginning. He's already working on other books with a similar theme.

"Dotty's Freckles" was independently published in August and can be purchased on Kindle or in paperback through Amazon.com.