Co-authors of book about autism discuss hopes of breaking down barriers

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A young man who is already well known for helping the community understand autism is doing it again with a new book.

Taylor Crowe and co-author Leah Ultich talk about the story and inspiration behind “Maybe That’s Autism”.

“Maybe That’s Autism,” the story of Alex, a little boy with autism spectrum disorder on a journey to help others understand what it’s like to live in his world.

“Let’s say there’s some students that have some questions about why one student is acting differently the teacher can read the book to them – it may help answer some of those questions,” said Taylor.

Taylor Crowe knows first-hand what it’s like to live in Alex’s world. He himself is on the autism spectrum. He says he and his longtime friend and teacher Leah Ulrich decided to write the book to help others put the puzzle pieces of autism together.

“The main character in the book is trying to figure out the other main character in the book,” said Leah. “Maybe that’s autism and it’s a question throughout the book until the very end when it comes a statement.”

It’s also a good way for students to understand someone with autism – and to learn to accept them and to even become friends with them.

“When we were writing the book it was neat to see his wheels turn and then seeing those ideas come to life on paper,” said Leah.

Taylor became familiar to the Cape Girardeau community and beyond at a young age. His father the late Dr. David Crowe made it part of his life’s mission to help others understand autism.

Taylor was diagnosed at a time when people understood far less about it. Doctors did not paint a positive picture of what Taylor’s future would be like, but David refused to accept that. Instead nurturing Taylor’s interests, seeing that Taylor would go to and graduate from California Institute of the Arts and making sure Taylor had a large circle of true friends. Something so simple but life changing. It inspired Taylor and Leah to write the book to show others how important it is to be loved and accepted.

“Yes, I think so I think people who have autism can relate to and find them in Alex and neotypical kids which means normal kids can learn how to interact with someone with autism from hearing this story,” said Taylor. “Having neotypicals in my life has helped me learn how to act like a normal person and I think all people with autism need that in their lives they need friends to help them.”

Now new and old friends from around the country and around the world are taking an interest in Taylor’s book, from local signings to international sales.

“I would love to sell this book all over the world,” said Taylor.

The pair say they are considering a second book but are thankful that this one is helping to change hearts and minds.

Taylor and Leah say his dad would be proud to see him breaking barriers.

“He is always learning, never plateaus in his learning,” said Leah. “He is always becoming a better version of himself I think.”

She is happy to see him thriving and even happier to see him still surrounded by a large and close circle of friends.

“They mean everything to me,” said Taylor.

The book has been purchased by families around the world, autism centers and is popping up in libraries.

‘Maybe that’s autism’ is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and taylorcrowe.com.

You can also catch Taylor and Leah at the Arts Council Friday, May 3 starting at 3 p.m.