Christine Motokane
"I was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, and through determination and intensive therapy, I learned to communicate and embrace who I am. My journey has taught me the value of self-acceptance, resilience, and believing in myself. I wrote this book to inspire understanding, promote acceptance, and remind others that people with autism have the same thoughts, feelings, and dreams as everyone else."
Author
Christine Motokane
Christine, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, was a happy child with boundless energy. When she did not meet certain developmental milestones at the age of four, she was evaluated by a psychologist and diagnosed with autism.
She was enrolled in a special education preschool class and attended the Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program at UCLA. Through intensive speech, social skills, occupational, and educational therapies, Christine was able to transition into a mainstream first-grade classroom.
Her family later moved to the South Bay area of Los Angeles while she was in middle school. With the help of behavioral therapy, Christine learned to better understand her emotions and develop healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Christine graduated from high school with honors and attended El Camino College. After earning her associate degree in 2013, she transferred to Loyola Marymount University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Today, Christine is a paraeducator and self-advocate who has spoken at conferences, including the Autism Society of Los Angeles, the FRED Conference, and the US Autism and Asperger Association. In her free time, she enjoys writing, horseback riding, and drawing.