By Esther Lauaki
The adventures of a little Point Cook battler are going global.
Eight-year-old Owen entered the world much earlier than planned, at 32 weeks and weighing only 880 grams. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism shortly after.
The youngster is now the star of a children’s book called
The Adventures of Mighty Owen which aims to make hospital visits and therapy sessions a little less daunting for children.
Mum Emma Roehrs recently released the book with illustrations by Owen and words contributed by his older brother Liam.
Ms Roehrs said Owen found a talent for drawing and writing while in hospital waiting rooms and during therapy sessions.
She said he used art to process his emotions and cope with his physical therapy.
“It has been a very scary, emotional and tough ride on the entire family with countless ongoing doctors and therapists appointments,” Ms Roehrs says. “He spent 103 days in hospital [at birth] and I didn’t get my first cuddle with Owen until he was well enough to be moved at three weeks and two days old.”
The book shares the story of Mighty Owen and Lord Angry Pants as they navigate therapy sessions, hospital appointments and life with cerebral palsy and autism.
“These are things rarely covered in children’s literature and certainly not from someone who is directly experiencing it,” Ms Roehrs said.
She said she hoped the book would help others understand the world through the eyes of someone with a disability.
“This story was written as a way for our family, especially for Liam who is two years older than Owen, to understand his little brother.
“Writing this story of Mighty Owen is also helping Owen to understand the journey he is on. In the process we have discovered a way to manage and handle Owen’s autism, including his anger outbursts.
“Through this process, Owen has learned just how special he is … while not all children are the same, they are all mighty.
“He has fought and continues to fight, to be the bravest Mighty Owen who we all love and adore.”
She said the book would be a resource for parents, therapists, schools, siblings and “that mighty child in your life”.
Details: www.mightyowen.com.au
