The Autistic Whosoever: Autism, Confusion, and Following Jesus, a Memoir

by Miya Sae

Miya knew that she was different from everyone else. From struggling to fit in at school to dealing with an abusive home life, Miya became convinced that she was nothing but a potato who would never belong. But as Miya began to understand her neurodivergence and the God Who had created her perfectly in His image, she soon came to realize that she was created for so much more than what she envisioned in an online world of gaming and anime.
Through the painful retelling of her own journey to faith and accepting her autism diagnosis, Miya hopes to encourage others who struggle through her own life experiences and to educate those who should come alongside them and show them Christ’s love.
Whether you are someone struggling to fit in or someone who needs to learn to be more compassionate to others, you will be blessed to find God in the midst of life’s messy circumstances and reminded to be a little bit kinder to people around you.

This book is a beautiful read, regardless of your faith, or lack of it. Miya's writing takes us into her world with painful honesty and eloquence. We accompany Miya through her autism diagnosis and her Christian faith, discovering as she did, how both are entwined and how learning over time about what both mean to her, have shaped who she is to today. I read this in one sitting, intrigued to know more. A great book.
Sarah Hendrickx
autistic author

With vivid words and a robust sense of humor, Miya Sae paints an informative and inspirational picture of the life of an autistic Christian. It’s a treasure to see an individual who’s so unapologetic about her faith and her differences. This wonderfully crafted memoir will have readers both giggling over the highly relatable scenarios and wiping away an empathetic tear. Inside these pages is Christianity and neurodivergence at its most pure and base form—no brain-bending theology or head-scratching terminology. It is simply a warm cup of coffee for the soul—mixtures of a bitter past, a flavorful transition, and the warmth of our Savior.
Moriah Jane
author and founder of Finding God in Anime

This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir allows readers to gain a better understanding of the neurodivergent world, as told through Miya Sae’s experiences. Sae is authentically raw, and readers can clearly see God at work through the seasons of her life. The Autistic Whosoever will resonate with readers (neurodivergent and neurotypical alike) who may feel alone in their walk to discover how God can use their perceived weaknesses to accomplish His plans.
Leslie L. McKee
award-winning author of Hope Amid the Hanging on to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Pain and Illness

Miya Sae's memoir of her experience is a story of growth and challenges and a discourse of what one's faith means. She leans into her vulnerability in the hard moments, while deftly weaving in a touch of humor. For anyone who may have felt unseen at any point, this healing journey of embracing life and oneself is for you.
Judy Liu
author of The Vending Portal

The Autistic Whosoever is a wonderfully written, deeply personal journey through the author’s life, touching on themes of pain, love, heartbreak, resilience, bravery, self-discovery, and the profound love of Christ. Sae offers powerful insight into what it’s like to live with autism, urging us all to advocate for a more inclusive world, where every individual feels seen, valued, and accepted just as they are. God’s goodness shines through every page of this soul-stirring story. A beautiful, brilliant read!
Kathryn M.

209 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

Miya Sae (MEE-yuh SAI) is an author and an otaku. She was diagnosed with autism at age 26. She gave her life to God after a miraculous encounter and has been actively pursuing Him ever since. Miya is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in social work. She is continually learning how to navigate the world as a neurodivergent Christian in a joyful manner, and aspires to help others do the same. She believes in fighting shame that often comes with religious legalism and replacing it with the saving grace of Christ.

Forever a Pokémon master at heart, she loves to dream, write, explore ideas, and occasionally make amateur-level fanart. She will infodump about her special interests if you let her. When she’s not creating content, she is usually watching anime, gaming, or petting her cats until they get annoyed. SpongeBob references are a common occurrence. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and their two feline children, Nebby and Mochi.

Reviews

[Moriah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know that I'll ever read a memoir with a narrative better than this one. This heartfelt memoir has the perfect mix of humor and heart. Miya's journey of discovering herself and the Lord is inspiring! I learned so much about autism and neurodiversity. It also shows how God truly loves everyone, no matter where life has taken you and no matter your circumstances--and that's a message the world needs to hear!

I definitely recommend reading Miya's story. It's sure to encourage and inspire you!

[Kayla E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not often read memoirs, but this book provides both authenticity and vulnerability regarding topics of overcoming struggle, finding faith, and accepting yourself as you were created. Many readers will appreciate how the author uses her life testimony to share her experience as a person who is neurodivergent and how accepting Christ helped her to accept herself.

One of my favorite elements of reading nonfiction is when something connects to something else in my brain. As a former librarian and educator, I couldn’t help but think about the metaphor created by Rudine Sims Bishop: books are mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Though originally used to focus on cultural diversity in literature, and the importance of diverse library collections and educational resources, this metaphor can be extended to include all life experiences and perspectives, including neurodiversity. Though this is a memoir and does not address Bishop or the metaphor, I mention the concept because it highlights how relevant and needed the book is for people to understand those different from themselves and to see themselves represented.

As explained by Jeanie Phillips, Bishop’s metaphor can be summarized with “Books are mirrors when readers see their own lives reflected in the pages. Books are windows when they allow readers a view of lives and stories that are different from their own. Books become sliding glass doors when readers feel transported into the world of the story and when they feel empathy for the characters.”

Whether the reader is an autistic looking for validation or support for their own story or someone who is neurotypical looking for insight through one autistic woman’s experiences, everyone will admire the author’s transparency and honesty. I think this book can and will be a great starting point for many people to either begin their own walks of faith or start actively seeking means to deepen their relationship with the Lord.

Overall, if you enjoy memoirs and personal, genuine narrative, then you will enjoy The Autistic Whosoever!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and let me tell you honestly: this book was EXACTLY what I needed right now. As an ADHD girly who struggles with depression, self-worth, and living in a world not built for neurodivergent people; Miya's story and reflections were so relatable, and a healing balm to my soul.

This work is a much-needed breath of honesty in a Church that has historically dismissed mental health with a cliche and a prayer (or worse--condemnation). We follow Miya through the highs of a miraculous conversion and God's providential care; and the lows of the fact that real-life (and mental health) is messy and sometimes sorrowful. The glory of it all is that God walks *with* us in the mess and sorrow, NOT that He magics it all away. That's part of what it means to be human on Earth, not just some walking ball of smiling holy light.

And that's what we see in Miya's story--that Autism is just another flavor of humanity, another facet of the Image of God. There are wonderful joys in it that God gives as gifts (like special interests! :D), and there are struggles in it that God tenderly guides His children through--just like every other brain type He has created. I hope someday the whole church recognizes this truth.

I'm grateful that Miya shared her story, and I hope that many people learn from it or are encouraged by it!

[Josh Buchholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that makes you feel seen in a way that’s hard to explain. Miya's' story is honest, funny, emotional, and so, so relatable—especially if you’ve ever felt like the odd one out in church, in school, or just in life.

I loved how Miya talks about her autism and her faith without trying to make it all perfect or tied up in a bow. It’s messy, it’s real, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Her humor is on point and her vulnerability tugged at my heart strings.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, figuring out your faith, or just looking for a meaningful read that feels like a warm hug, give this one a try.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir allows readers to gain a better understanding of the neurodivergent world, as told through Miya Sae’s experiences. Sae is authentically raw, and readers can clearly see God at work through the seasons of her life. The Autistic Whosoever will resonate with readers (neurodivergent and neurotypical alike) who may feel alone in their walk to discover how God can use their perceived weaknesses to accomplish His plans.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Kathryn Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down! A beautifully, brilliant read! "The Autistic Whosoever” is a wonderfully written, deeply personal journey through the author’s life, touching on themes of pain, love, heartbreak, resilience, bravery, self-discovery, and the profound love of Christ.

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for people who are autistic or have a loved one who is autistic!
Even though I do not have autism, I was drawn to this book because of the relatable anecdotes Miya shared, especially about feeling like an outcast or how the Enemy uses lies to cause anxiety and depression. Miya's own story is one of victory and heartbreak, and the most interesting part of the memoir. Yet, her own words about the Christian faith and how it intersects with autism were also encouraging. Honestly, I was drawn to her authentic-ness and how much she shares the joy of living for Jesus. Her voice is vivid throughout the narrative, and I felt a little closer to her as I read. I loved how she advocated for the nerds like myself who enjoy reading fantasy books and watching anime, arguing that such things are not idols, but other ways to glorify God. This memoir is absolutely awesome and I highly recommend it.

[Michelle Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miya’s memoir is so welcoming and refreshing to any reader. Even from the perspective of someone who does not practice organized religion, her work is still relevant to me. There are other topics covered including: struggles with depression and self worth, loneliness after college. I think it is something everyone should read. We need to hear more autistic voices and uplift them. The timing of this book’s debut is very important especially with all the negative political rhetoric towards the autistic community and dangerous policies being suggested. Anyone who has a family member or loved one with an autism diagnosis should read this book.

[AJ Suggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly, thoughtfully honest memoir. The way Miya tells her unique story brings such great glory to God. Miya is funny and relatable as well, speaking through such gorgeous figurative language to describe her experiences. While the first third of the book is a bit dark, and maybe more difficult to read, I believe it makes what comes later in the story even more beautiful. This book is for anyone who maybe feels a bit out of place in their life. God hears you and sees you. And if you're also a huge nerd for tv shows and video games, you'll love it even more.

[Violet Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?!? Honestly I read this book faster than any other book in my whole life, probably. And I have a newborn and a toddler so that is also saying something :P

1. I laughed and cried and smiled and had warm fuzzies. Miya's storytelling is so dynamic and authentic. Thank you for being so vulnerable. I just want to hug young Miya and be her friend.

2. Miya taught me so much about autism! Thank you for showing me which traits are common to people with autism. It is helping me appreciate certain things about people I didn't realize before.

3. It was so inspiring hearing Miya's testimony. It reminds me that God is alive and really, actually, truly, genuinely, no-lie pursues people. We're not just making this stuff up in our minds.

4. Thank you for the reminder that God wants us to enjoy our lives and our talents and our interests. To see the world in COLOR and FUN not just bland oatmeal and religious legalism.

I know you will be touched and moved by reading Miya's story!!

[Dr. Lisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Autistic Whosoever is a vital book for Christian autistic people who feel guilty that they are autistic, that they worship and serve God uniquely. I read this book and underlined all the things that resonated deeply with me. Then I reread most of it, highlighting more, and then did it again. Miya is absolutely transparent about her lived experience, offering her suffering to help us understand and accept our own souls, as they are. Her book is beautifully written, captivating, and transforming. Miya states, "I am a follower of Jesus Christ, unashamed of the autistic brain I was given." Wow! The Autistic Whosoever is a delightful addition to the small collection of texts available on autism and theology. I applaud Miya for sharing her heart and her artful writing!

Thank You, Lord, for Miya, for her courage, kindness, giftedness, and strength. Please use this book to draw people to you and comfort many who need this message.

[Carly Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptive imagery is incredible and provides the reader with a deep feeling and understanding of Miya’s emotions and thoughts.
I found myself not wanting to put the book down! With two young children, I often find it difficult to get enough time to sit down and read a real paper book, so for the little downtime I do get, this book was well worth my time and even had me finding ways to get more time to read it. I was laughing out loud as well as weeping with and for what Miya has experienced, as I read this beautiful memoir.
As someone with ADHD, I can relate to some of Miya’s experiences with processing delays and a “lack of grace from the world when I struggle”, as Miya puts it perfectly. I feel grateful to know I’m not alone in having those feelings, but also, I am grateful that Miya encourages me to remember how the God of the Universe loves me and made me exactly the way I am; neurodivergent and beautiful.

[Carolyn Kiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Autistic Whosoever, and I really enjoyed it! In this book, Miya Sae demonstrates what autism acceptance and autistic joy can look like as a Christian. She is candid about her lifelong search for friendship, fellowship and belonging as an autistic Christian, and her journey to accept God's love while struggling with anxiety, trauma and shame. Her insights challenge the stigma that is too often associated with autism. This book serves as a powerful source of comfort, reassurance and encouragement for autistic Christians who may be struggling to reconcile their autism with their faith.

[Denea Marable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for this book! It’s important to honor autism and raise awareness in a way that honors the way God created us and Miya accomplishes that in this book. If you’re an autistic individual, caring for an autistic individual, looking to become educated about what life can be like for us and want a Biblical perspective, I highly recommend this book.

[Judy Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miya Sae's memoir of her experience is a story of growth and challenges and a discourse of what one's faith means. She leans into her vulnerability in the hard moments, while deftly weaving in a touch of humor. For anyone who may have felt unseen at any point, this healing journey of embracing life and oneself is for you.

[Julia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is one of the most important books I will ever read.