An Author’s Inspiration: How a Sister’s Love Led Alexandra Amoroso to Write
Alexandra Amoroso’s children’s book, Why Is My Brother Autistic?, grew out of life with her brother, Anthony. We asked her about the memories behind the book, writing for children, and what she wishes she could tell a young reader growing up with an autistic sibling.
When did you first think, “I want to write a children’s book about this”?
Alexandra: Growing up with my brother, Anthony, who is nonverbal and autistic, shaped so much of who I am. From a young age, I took on responsibilities that many children my age didn’t have. I often felt like a third parent, helping care for Anthony and putting his needs before my own.
I wanted to create a book that could help children ask questions, understand differences, and realize that having an autistic sibling is something they can talk about openly.
What from your childhood did you most want to share in the book?
Alexandra: I remember having to grow up a little faster than some of my friends. I wanted children to see that their feelings matter and that they can love their brother or sister while still having their own needs, friendships, and dreams.
What was hardest to explain in a way children could understand?
Alexandra: The hardest part was explaining autism in a way that was simple enough for a child to understand without making it seem like something was wrong with the person who has it. Every autistic individual is different, and I wanted children to understand that people communicate, learn, and experience the world in different ways.
Because Anthony is nonverbal, I also wanted to help children understand that not speaking doesn’t mean someone has nothing to say or nothing to offer.
How did you go from an idea to a published book?
Alexandra: It started with my own life experiences and the realization that I could use my story to help other people. I took that idea and worked to turn it into a children’s book that families could read together. Becoming a published author was a proud moment for me because I wasn’t simply putting a book into the world. I was sharing a part of my family and hoping that another child might see their own experience reflected in its pages.
Do you have a favorite page or passage? What makes it your favorite?
Alexandra: I especially value the moments that help children see that autism is one part of who their sibling is, not the entirety of that person’s identity.
For me, the heart of the book is the opportunity it creates for a parent and child to sit together, read, and have a conversation they might not otherwise know how to begin. Sometimes children have questions but don’t know how to express them. A book can give them the words and reassurance they need.
What would you want to say to a child growing up with an autistic sibling?
Alexandra: I would tell them that they are not alone, and their feelings matter just as much as everyone else’s. It is okay to love your brother or sister deeply and still have days when things feel difficult. It is okay to have questions, to feel frustrated sometimes, and to want time for yourself. Those feelings don’t make you a bad sibling.
I would also tell them not to feel that they have to be the grown-up all the time. You deserve to be a child, to make friends, to follow your dreams, and to have people who listen to you, too.
What do you hope families talk about after reading the book?
Alexandra: I hope families talk honestly about autism, differences, and what everyone in the family needs to feel understood and supported. I hope parents use the book as an opportunity to ask their children how they feel, what questions they have, and whether there are things they have been afraid to say out loud.
We don’t need to have every answer. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen.
What did writing this book teach you?
Alexandra: It taught me that a story doesn’t have to be extraordinary to make a difference. It has to be honest.
For me, becoming an author isn’t just about publishing books. It’s about making sure that people, especially siblings who sometimes feel overlooked, know that their voices deserve to be heard.
Thank you, Alexandra, for talking with us about Anthony and the book he inspired. We’re glad to share your story with our readers.
About Alexandra Amoroso
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