Hello, My Name Is Max and I Have Autism: An Insight into the Autistic Mind

by Max Miller

"Hello, My Name is Max and I Have Autism is a beautifully composed collection of essays and drawings by Max Miller, a 12 year old boy on the autism spectrum. Max eloquently explains to the reader about what life is like with autism, providing insight into the autistic mind through the words and drawings of a child on the spectrum.

Max’s work is powerful and honest. It is unique as it is a book written by a child without prompting or direction. His words are straight from the heart. It is a must-own for any educator, parent, or loved one impacted by autism. Hello, My Name is Max and I Have Autism is a story full of hope and gives a glimpse into life on the spectrum as can only be told from personal experience.

Written with the intent of advocating for others with ASD, Max hopes to create compassion, awareness and understanding for all autistic children. His words and pictures not only break down barriers, but show how children with ASD are not so different from other kids. They just need a little extra patience. Best of all, children who are on the spectrum can identify with Max’s stories and know that they are not alone.

The book addresses common questions children ask such as “How did you get autism? Will it go away? What makes you happy? Can you be happy? Why do you take things so literally?” Max answers each question with a drawing and an essay. His answers are raw, true and evoke emotion. The reader will derive a deeper understanding about autism as well as greater compassion for those who live with ASD."

36 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2014

Reviews

[Lisa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So genuine, open, honest, and inspiring

Loved this book.
It was wonderful to read thru the eyes of a wonderful boy like Max. He is truly an inspiration.

[Joe Bonadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having talked extensively with Max and his Mom, Rebecca, learning about Autism, what it is and what it isn't, and realizing that SO many people have misconceptions like I did, I became more and more involved with Max's unique perspective, began to see and understand a lot of things the way he did, and discovered an exceptionally smart, savvy, thoughtful and compassionate young lad with many talents and a great sense of humor. So when his Mom asked me to help edit Max's essays -- his thoughts and feelings on different things -- I jumped at the chance to be a part of this great book, which was totally Max's idea and project from the get go. His essays were either written by Max and then typed up by his Mom, or dictated to her while she typed. I corrected only spelling and punctuation, added a missing word here or removed an clone-word there . . . but I did not correct for grammar, for proper usage or anything like that. What you read in this book are Max's own eloquent words, his own insightful thoughts. And his artwork is often funny, sometimes frightening, and always moving. The way he describes his use of color, why he chose certain colors, and what each painting represents is pretty darn remarkable. When Max said he wanted my name on the cover, beneath his, "Edited by Joe Bonadonna," left me fishing around for words. I just did not know what so, except Thank You. I considered that not only a great compliment, but a real honor, too.

This book is exceptional and enlightening, and the fact that it is being translated into other languages, that public libraries, schools and churches and bookstores are carrying this book shows you just how it has truck a chord with so many people . . . and how Max has touched so many hearts and so many lives, for this is his hope -- to help those who can't help themselves, to be the voice of those who can't speak for themselves, to bring true awareness about Autism and all those affected by it. Bravo, Max! Bravo!

[Emily Whitmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very informative for someone who does not know a lot about ASD. It kind of clear up the misconceptions about ASD (like what causes it, the book does a great job with revealing that autism does not get caused by vaccines) that are everywhere. I would recommend this to parents of newly diagnosed children and to everyone else to spread awareness. I think that this book really shows you the mind and feelings of someone that is on the spectrum. There were parts that I could relate to as I am on the high end of the spectrum myself, like the troubles of finding a partner for group work as the other children will pick their friends. Overall this was great to read, but in the end Max's mom suggests parents to look at Autism Speaks and I feel like that takes away from the message that autism is forever. Autism Speaks aims to try and end autism so I think that the organization should not have been mentioned.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and fierce

A unique perspective from an autistic child's eyes. Mom puts in her two cents but found the most valuable lessons from Max. Will try to remember Max's words when trying to understand my son.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for adults and children

[Courtney Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is a 12 year old boy on the autism spectrum who has created a book that promotes awareness and advocates others with ASD. He did an absolutely amazing job as he composed essays and pictures into his book to provide readers an insight on the autistic mind. For a young boy who was considered to be "unteachable" by others to embracing his autism and not letting others put him down is remarkable. This is why this young boy deserves a 5 star rating. Hearing others stories really pushes me to reach out to others and spread the awareness of ASD.