She’s a bright, lively 13 year old Ventura County girl. No two kids are the same, but Micaela Ellis is anything but average. She’s already written her first book, and she’s been on a book tour in the county this summer, talking about it. The book is about something she knows well: What it’s like to live with autism.
She says it’s been hard at times, having to learning about things like humor and sarcasm which most people pick up as part of their basic social skills. Her parents admit it was the last thing they expected their little girl to have to battle.
Gloria Ellis says that early diagnosis made a huge difference, getting Micaela the help she needed. She says it also meant as parents they had to look at things differently, and adjust expectations about her life.
Micaela lives with her family in Oxnard, but attends the Lighthouse School in Ojai, which specializes in educating kids with learning issues.
Jon Ellis says Micaela’s interest in writing, and sharing her story has amazed them.
The eighth grader wants to go to college, and write professionally.
Micaela will talk about her book, “Autism over the Years: A Twelve Year Old’s Memoir,” in a free public event this weekend. She’ll speak at Ventura’s Hill Road Library at noon on Sunday.
