Hayden’s novel idea

Golden Bay teen Hayden Selfe will celebrate the release of his first novel next month – a feat for someone who almost failed English at school.

The 18-year-old, who has development disorder Asperger’s syndrome, penned Hatchling Heroes based on a fantasy land he invented to escape relentless bullying at high school.

“I never imagined it would become a book,” he said. “I felt very proud of myself.”

Selfe said his disorder created enormous problems at school when teachers and students were not accepting of his behavioural differences.

“I got bullied really badly as a result,” he said. “I stopped going to school in Year 10.

“My learning was stunted, I got acute depression and had tragedy in thoughts.

“I had an exceptionally negative point of view about the future.”

Selfe said writing the book became a sanctuary for him.

“Reading, writing and playing games was (all) I could do to escape,” he said.

Selfe wrote the book within six months and finished it when he was 15 years old.

He said people who read it suggested it be submitted for publication.

His mother, Gail, said Selfe was a role model to other students with Asperger’s and autism spectrum disorders at Comet Bay College where she provides student services.

“We are hoping the book will be a success for Hayden and all the people with Asperger’s and autism,” she said.

“We hope it changes people’s perception of autism and what people with autism can do.”

Selfe has written a draft Hatchling Heroes’ sequel and a third in the series is outlined.

The Telegraph has a copy of Selfe’s book to give away.

To win write your name, address and contact phone number on the back of an envelope and send it to Sound Telegraph Hatchling Heroes Competition, PO Box 190, Rockingham City WA 6968 by noon on Friday, April 5.

The winner will be notified.

Selfe will sign copies of Hatchling Heroes at a pre-launch party at Comet Bay College library from 5pm to 6pm on Tuesday, March 26.