In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, author Janet Elliot joins us to share her powerful memoir, The Alien Savant, and her deeply personal journey as the sibling of an autistic brother. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Janet
offers a unique lens on autism, weaving together humor, history, and hard-won wisdom from growing up alongside her brother Michael in Ontario’s special needs education system of the ’60s–’80s.
We discuss what inspired her to write the book, how she balanced authenticity with universality, and the lessons Michael taught her about resilience, connection, and seeing the world differently. Janet also opens up about her advocacy work, her approach to infusing humor into challenging topics, and what she hopes readers and listeners—whether caregivers or simply curious—will take away from her story.
Topics Covered
o A simbling’s honest and compassionate
perspective on Autism
o Insights into the historical landscape of
special needs education
o Practical wisdom for navigating advocacy and
storytelling with heart
o Encouragement to find humor and hope in even the
toughest seasons.
About Jane Elliot
Janet Elliot, author of The Alien Savant, shares a deeply personal and enlightening perspective on life as the sibling of an autistic individual. Her book highlights her brother’s unique experiences and strengths while offering powerful insights into the sibling dynamic within the autism community. Through her writing and storytelling, Janet provides a heartfelt and
nuanced lens on autism, fostering understanding and connection for families, advocates, and anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge.
Resources Mentioned
👉 Website: https://www.myguidedpen.com
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