This guest Q&A is with Brennan Farmer a seven-year-old boy whose brother, Evan, is on the autism spectrum. They are best friends. Brennan and his mother, Mandy, just published their first book, “What About Me?” The book goes through Brennan’s emotion and experiences as an autism sibling. You can purchase Brennan and Mandy’s book here,
Hey Brennan! How does it feel to have written this book with your mom?
It feels good because it’s our first book and that’s pretty good for a kid my age. I am so excited to see it all finished and happy that other kids will read it.
Why did you want to write this book?
I wanted people to know it’s not always easy to have a sibling with autism. But I learn a lot from him. I wanted other autism siblings to know they aren’t alone. I wanted them to know their moms and dads love them. I wanted them to know they are special too.
What are some things you and your brother like to do for fun?
We like to play bear hunt or dinosaur museum outside. Inside he likes to watch me play Skate 3 and he loves it when I make my guy go down the red slide. We also like to go the air and space museum. I like it and I like that Evan loves it so much.
Do you have any events you are doing in your community for World Autism Month?
My school has an autism awareness day. I will wear my autism shirt that says I love someone with autism. I plan to share my book with my class too.
What’s something you want people to know about autism?
Autistic people have some differences from us but they are the same as us too. I love how excited my brother gets about life and how he sees things different than I do. I learn a lot from him and he learns a lot from me.
If your brother ever reads this Q&A one-day, what would you like to tell him?
You are the best brother I have ever had. You are very unique. I am proud of you for everything you have learned. I love you.
What’s next for you as a now published author? Think you may like to write another book focused on autism one day?
I love making videos, so I might make some videos about our book. I don’t know about any more books about autism soon, but maybe one about being a military kid.
Editor’s note: I’ve known Mandy and Brennan for a few years now and they are amazing advocates for our autism community. Siblings play such a huge impact in our community so I’d highly recommend families to give this book a read! You can learn more about their journey on Facebook at From Motherhood by Mandy Farmer here and Mandy’s blog here. – Kerry
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education.
Have Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
