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The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from The Tree: An Autism Story
Bella Bauer recounts the story of her son's autism diagnosis after her boyfriend, Dan, forwards a harsh text from his former wife. She begins to realize that she has more in common with her son after she too begins to recognize the signs of autism in herself as well.
- GenresNonfiction
84 pages, Paperback
Published January 22, 2023
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729 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 17, 2023
Read for free with kindle unlimited :)
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I found out I was on the autism spectrum last year. It threw me for a loop because there was no known family history but thinking back I can think of a couple family members who were probably on it but hard to know for sure.
This was a good story, it made me feel seen and put one thing into my life in perspective and made me feel better yet sorry for my younger self. I have answers now but wish all this had knowledge had been available to my parents.
Rambling haha, I would recommend this. Not sure what else to say except I enjoyed the story.
It also showed how some people can be judgemental and insensitive about autism and not understanding.
I would have loved to see more mother/son bonding over their shared new diagnosis and learning more about it together but that's the only quibble other than some occasional awkward writing.
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I found out I was on the autism spectrum last year. It threw me for a loop because there was no known family history but thinking back I can think of a couple family members who were probably on it but hard to know for sure.
This was a good story, it made me feel seen and put one thing into my life in perspective and made me feel better yet sorry for my younger self. I have answers now but wish all this had knowledge had been available to my parents.
Rambling haha, I would recommend this. Not sure what else to say except I enjoyed the story.
It also showed how some people can be judgemental and insensitive about autism and not understanding.
I would have loved to see more mother/son bonding over their shared new diagnosis and learning more about it together but that's the only quibble other than some occasional awkward writing.
March 10, 2023
Very fast read. I felt for the mother in the story. Autism isn’t a one size fits all diagnosis especially between boys & girls. I could feel the frustration a parent feels when they’re told their child is different or weird. It hurts. We need to be more inclusive and understand we expect everyone to fit in a certain mold rather than embrace our differences.
June 10, 2023
Thanks for the free kindle copy.
April 3, 2023
This is a very short read. I was expecting it to go into more depth about the experiences and challenges this mother and son face with the diagnosis of autism. Instead it was just a brief recollection of how Bella finds out her son has autism and her reaction to finding out and then another brief account of how she figured out that she is on the spectrum as well.
While I cannot say I have experienced something similar, I felt that the reaction Bella had to finding out about her son was a little odd considering she has a sister and a nephew who are both on the spectrum as well. She takes it as an offensive, impossible diagnosis when it comes to her son but then discusses how she can’t stand the “label” autism puts on those she loves when they are also living breathing human beings. It was a little contradictory and that bothered me.
While I cannot say I have experienced something similar, I felt that the reaction Bella had to finding out about her son was a little odd considering she has a sister and a nephew who are both on the spectrum as well. She takes it as an offensive, impossible diagnosis when it comes to her son but then discusses how she can’t stand the “label” autism puts on those she loves when they are also living breathing human beings. It was a little contradictory and that bothered me.
April 3, 2023
I’m so confused and I need more
Once I got the gist of the story I was able to enjoy it. I had to read the beginning multiple times and then finally had to create a character map. The author threw so many names and relationships at the reader in the first few pages that I couldn’t keep heads nor tails of them.
I had just begun to really empathize and connect with the main character when the book was abruptly over. This book was 77 pages and although I understand there was a conclusion of sorts, the main problem that was introduced as the confusing information dump at the beginning was never resolved. I want to continue to read about Bella and her triumphs and struggles.
Once I got the gist of the story I was able to enjoy it. I had to read the beginning multiple times and then finally had to create a character map. The author threw so many names and relationships at the reader in the first few pages that I couldn’t keep heads nor tails of them.
I had just begun to really empathize and connect with the main character when the book was abruptly over. This book was 77 pages and although I understand there was a conclusion of sorts, the main problem that was introduced as the confusing information dump at the beginning was never resolved. I want to continue to read about Bella and her triumphs and struggles.
March 8, 2023
Quick read.
I enjoyed reading this book. My son is going through all kinds of testing because he is developmentally behind so I found this read very interesting. The only part of this book that I disliked is that some of the stories were repetive and dragged on. It also told the story of how people are very unaccepting of an autism diagnosis and how there continues to be a need for more awareness.
I enjoyed reading this book. My son is going through all kinds of testing because he is developmentally behind so I found this read very interesting. The only part of this book that I disliked is that some of the stories were repetive and dragged on. It also told the story of how people are very unaccepting of an autism diagnosis and how there continues to be a need for more awareness.
April 20, 2025
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree by Sara Lynn is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of family, identity, and the often inescapable legacies we inherit from those who raise us.
Through vivid storytelling and authentic characters, Sara crafts a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The story centers on a protagonist who finds themselves confronting the past while trying to forge a different future—a delicate balance between understanding where they come from and deciding who they want to become. As the plot unfolds, Sara skillfully unpacks generational trauma, parental expectations, and the struggle to break cycles while still holding onto love and connection.
One of the strongest elements of the novel is Sarahs character development. The relationships feel real and raw, and the dialogue often cuts deep.
She tries to understand why her son and her are different and on the autism spectrum. The protagonist shares her sons story and reflects back to hers from diagnosis to present life.
This was an easy read but I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I felt something was a miss.
Never the less I picked this for National autism awareness month and glad I did ;)
Rating 3.5/5
Through vivid storytelling and authentic characters, Sara crafts a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The story centers on a protagonist who finds themselves confronting the past while trying to forge a different future—a delicate balance between understanding where they come from and deciding who they want to become. As the plot unfolds, Sara skillfully unpacks generational trauma, parental expectations, and the struggle to break cycles while still holding onto love and connection.
One of the strongest elements of the novel is Sarahs character development. The relationships feel real and raw, and the dialogue often cuts deep.
She tries to understand why her son and her are different and on the autism spectrum. The protagonist shares her sons story and reflects back to hers from diagnosis to present life.
This was an easy read but I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I felt something was a miss.
Never the less I picked this for National autism awareness month and glad I did ;)
Rating 3.5/5
March 15, 2023
As a mother on the spectrum with a teenager on the spectrum, I really wanted to enjoy this book but it fell short. Not only was the book itself short, I just couldn’t relate to their situation. I felt like the mom was very quick to dismiss any idea that her son was on the spectrum but then was mad when another parent had similar negative reactions towards him. The mother also mentions that she has a bachelor’s degree in psychology but doesn’t seem to understand basic info about autism. Maybe her reaction was different since it was her own child and not a patient. I was hoping to hear more about how their shared diagnosis helped them bond and take on the world.
April 18, 2024
Autism is a strange creature.
After reading this and going back over my life I think I may be on the spectrum. It's so weird. No one ever said I was but I know I was different. Was anyone diagnosed with it in the 1960's... I have no idea. I know we had separate classes but the kids were physically challenged.
After reading this and going back over my life I think I may be on the spectrum. It's so weird. No one ever said I was but I know I was different. Was anyone diagnosed with it in the 1960's... I have no idea. I know we had separate classes but the kids were physically challenged.
July 4, 2023
After the first page I was hooked! It’s the kind of book you can read over and over! It’s definitely going to be in my reread folder! I can’t wait to read more from you!
November 3, 2024
I got an ARC of this "book". Basically a >100 page rambling rant about her significant other's ex's comments about her autistic son and her experiences learning she and her son are autistic.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews