Mikhaela Ackerman

The Edge of The Playground Mikhaela Ackerman

She is enveloped in a storming sea of light and sound. Navigating a world where she can hear everything yet nothing, and where faces are no more than passing blurs of vivid color. She walks the edge of the playground. Mikhaela was never supposed to be able to tie her shoes, go to school, have language, drive a car, or secure a job. As an autistic person, medical professionals did not expect much for her future. Edge of the Playground is the inspiring yet honest real life story of a mother and daughter during the beginning of a drastic shift in how the medical community and society viewed autism. When Mikhaela was born in 1991, autism was only identified in one out of every 2,000 children, and even less among girls. Readers will experience both the voice of Mikhaela and the perspective of her mother Mary Lynn. It is the journey of breaking barriers, self-advocating, and finding strength within. Enter Mikhaela's world as she leaves the comforts and safety of the edge of the playground and finds that the ability to tie your shoes does not determine your success.