Milo - Autistic Warrior

by Elizabeth Haddon

Neglected by his parents from the moment he was diagnosed with autism at age three, Milo McCance survives his first eleven years in a world of isolation and rejection. Math and science are all that make sense to him. When his history-professor father takes a tentative interest in him, Milo unknowingly initiates a path to his own destruction. All hell breaks loose. Milo must find his way through the ensuing chaos and looming threat. The second half of the story time-warps eight years in the future to the year 2020. Milo is now age twenty. A group of teachers in Milo's former high school are determined to eliminate the growing population of autistic students enrolled in the school. Through a series of events, Milo is asked to team up with the school's Director to thwart the group's Machiavellian efforts to erase any influence autism has on the school's culture. As Milo comprehends the parameters of the group's threat to the students, he finds himself caught between past terrors and future annihilation. Milo, Autistic Warrior is a novel about family, relationships, autism, repressed rage and the courage required to find identity in the midst of fear and destructiveness.

434 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2014

Reviews

[Jorja Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining and I learned a lot about autism. The author teaches as she entertains. Milo is a warrior ! You also get a glimpse from Milo as to his understandings of life. Great job to the author. This book is also a great reference for parents with autistic children!

[Dawn H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read, the first in a trilogy.
A real eye-opener of those within the autism spectrum...their abilities, passions, and contributions to society, yet we also see the fear and inability of others to accept what isn't considered "normal".
Although fiction, there are numerous insightful and workable suggestions which teach others how to communicate and accept those considered different...definitely should be a resource or recommended read in schools.
An absorbing story!

[JUDITH DICKINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo's story captivates the reader from start to conclusion. From birth onwards he if 'different'. When he is finally diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum his parents are simply overwhelmed by the significance this will have for the rest of their lives. Their way of dealing with this has a profound effect on Milo's childhood, and eventually on their relationship.I have a little knowledge of autism but seeing it in such depth was real an eye-opener. It was impossible not to want to erect a barrier of warmth and love between Milo and the world.
Several years later, when Milo is a just starting out on his career path, the issue of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools becomes a heated issue. Milo finds himself facing situations that are very uncomfortable for him, in his attempts to speak out in support of these children and their needs.
If you are looking for horror, murder and mystery, then this is not for you. However, if you like characters that really draw you into their world, troubled people, flawed people, resolute people, then this is for you. Although fictional I feel this is a real step forward for everyday folk like me in our understanding of ASD.

[Carol Dass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me completely and, I might not have read it had I not won it in a Goodreads Giveaway. But I highly recommend it. Milo is 11 and was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome which is on the autism spectrum. Milo's parents were told to have virtually no expectations of Milo. His mother detests him because he is a reminder of her autistic sister? There is so much in this book that is amazing, that I hardly know where to begin. I especially liked what one of Milo's teachers thought after he realized he was complacent in teaching the autistic kids: "With little hope of winning they (the children) faced daily confrontations with ever-changing rules, confusing situations and impatient people." The teacher imagined the kids dodging bullets with explosions pelting them from all sides. He thought: "These children are the bravest people I've ever known. I can't stop all the bullets aimed at them, but I can damn well make sure none of them comes from me." I learned much about autism and much about people who cannot or will not deal with it. The author did a terrific job with this book and I cannot wait for the next one. It deserves more than a five star rating!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion this is an engaging read, I would recommend it to a younger crowd such as aged 10-18 (even though some adults unfortunately could still take a lesson on accepting each other).
Very plainly written and easy to understand for younger individuals as well as paints a very good picture about individualism and acceptance towards one another, and the fact that unfortunately from time to time you will meet humans that have a harmful agenda for no better reason then to serve their own demons.
Over all I give it a four star because for me it was entertaining at most, quiet plain with not a whole lot new insight (for me personally), but I will recommend it to parents struggling with children bulling, being bullied, or just trying to educate their children on accepting themselves and other.
I am defiantly keeping this book for my daughter to read when she gets a little older.