Talented autistic girl and mother share stories in new book

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Story Published: Sep 29, 2008 at 8:33 AM PST

By Dan Bain

ROSEBURG, Ore. - An autistic Roseburg girl with artistic talent, along with her mother, have written a book they hope will inspire others dealing with autism.

Kim Miller is autistic, but has been creating art since she was 3 years old, before she could even talk.

She and her mother Eileen Miller, got together and wrote the book with some of the art, and a lot of stories about what it's like to be autistic and to have an autistic child. Saturday and Sunday, they held a book signing and open house to show off the newly released book and showcase some of Kim's art.

"Well my mother had written this book to educate people about what it's an autistic person is really like," said Kim.

The book covers her life from when she was born to age 19.

Eileen Miller said she didn't know she had an artist when her 3-year-old was drawing on walls, but through her experiences, she wanted to teach others about autism.

"One is to show that autistic people do have feelings inside and they process information in a different manner than we do. It may take awhile to process information. It was also to raise awareness with teachers and educators," said Eilieen.

Kim also creates clay faces among the many drawings she's created, and said she makes what she is feeling inside.

"I decide on pretty much just what catches my fancy, or whatever problem I'm struggling with, I just work it out," said Kim.

After awhile, the drawings, caught her mother's attention.

"Her appearance was so flat so unemotional, that I just felt that keeping the drawings, I was keeping an essence of Kim," said Eileen.

Much of Kim's artwork was on display at the Gay 90's restaurant in Roseburg, during the book-signing on Saturday and Sunday.

Eileen said the book has gone so well, they are already looking at writing a second book.

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