Autism and apraxia prevented Havertown author Gregory Tino from speaking for several years.

Now he’s written a book to describe his first-hand experience of being autistic, hoping to make others understand those who are nonverbal, writes Nick Iadonisi for 6abc.

Because of his inability to communicate verbally, Tino was thought to have the intellectual equivalency of a child.

The apraxia kept him from properly expressing his thoughts through speech. 

With the help of communication programs, Tino learned how to write and demonstrate his intellectual capabilities.

Once he could communicate through his writing, Tino decided to capture the experience of being a nonverbal autistic person.

The book includes specific examples and scenarios to educate the world about people in Tino’s situation.

“There are some…that, unfortunately, are so affected by their apraxia that maybe they won’t be able to do the same things that he is able to do,” said Tino’s mom, Linda Tino.

Thanks to his writing, Tino now has a sense of belonging and a mission.

“This gives me a very worthy goal and meaningful purpose to my life. Never judge a book by its cover. I am living proof of that,” Tino writes.

Find out more about Gregory Tino at 6abc.