I Am in Here

“I Am in Here is at once heartbreaking and powerfully inspirational. Elizabeth and Virginia together find their way down the mystifying corridors of autism and arrive in a place of communication through poignant and memorable poetry. It is a lesson in life, love, determination, and awe.” —Tom Brokaw, NBC News “Elizabeth’s beautiful poetry clearly shows that even though she is nonverbal, she has a good mind and is able to type independently. Her writings show that some individuals with autism who appear to be low-functioning have real abilities. Both parents and educators should teach independent typing to children with autism who remain nonverbal. Elizabeth’s first words when she was able to type were ‘Agony. I need to talk.’” —Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author “I Am in Here is simply astonishing! Together mother and daughter walk through the bewildering maze of autism and end up producing a heartrending and wonder-filled story. Get this book.” —Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living Water “Elizabeth’s story is one that so many families confront. Many people underestimate the capacity for learning and growing in children with autism. Elizabeth was determined to communicate and express what she held deep inside. And Virginia never lost hope that her daughter would one day find her voice.” —Suzanne Wright, cofounder of Autism Speaks “I Am in Here is a powerful reminder that we all face battles in life, and together we can triumph. Elizabeth’s poignant poetry is a victory over autism. Her story and those of other ‘How People’ in this book will inspire you to be victorious in your own battle, whatever it may be.” —Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmentalist and founder of Waterkeeper Alliance; author of Crimes Against Nature and Saint Francis of Assisi “Elizabeth has such a strong voice even without the ability to speak. She is a true inspiration, and her beautiful poetry allows her to embrace and share her message so people notice her for who she is and not what people expect her to be.” —Jenny McCarthy, president of Generation Rescue and New York Times bestselling author “For any parent who has stared into the abyss, this story of a mother’s agonizing but uplifting spiritual journey—and an autistic daughter’s equally remarkable quest to communicate through poetry—is a must-read.” —Robert Faw, PBS correspondent “‘See me. I am in here!’ Elizabeth’s words give voice to the need we all have to be seen by our quiddities and strengths—not by our label. No label is more blinding than the gaze-averting strangeness of autism’s silence. In this book Elizabeth and her mom give us a brilliant look inside a brilliant child whose illuminating story will entertain and inform all of us who seek to grasp the dimensions of human intelligence and perseverance.”

Sidney M. Baker