Artist with autism writes books

Jan. 6—HILLSDALE — Elizabeth Burr understands the struggles people face with autism because she has faced them herself, coming through on the other side.

Burr is a 20 year-old who graduated from Jonesville High School two years ago. She has written three books in a science fiction book series.

Diagnosed with autism at an early age, a breakthrough happened when she was 9.

"I attended an art camp that my grandmother encouraged me to go to," Burr said. "She knew of my artistic ability and it was there that I was able to write a play, making up our own characters." Writing, she said, came easy for her.

"I found it came very easy for me of which I really enjoyed," she said. "I went at a very fast pace in all kinds of writing — poems especially came easy. Soon I found myself engulfed in writing. By the time I considered writing seriously, I was 10 years old. The rest is history."

Burr's mother, Tina, said her daughter surpassed what doctors said about her and she now inspires others.

"I have never let her believe in a label," Tina Burr said. "She can do all things she puts her mind to do. I am so super proud of her. We have believed in her and helped her believe in herself."

Burr said she first enjoyed drawing animation characters and animals.

"Art is my first talent that I began at 10 years of age, that's why I attended the art camp to which I discovered a second talent — writing," she said.

It was at the age of 6 that she was diagnosed with high functioning autism.

"Sometimes with autism, you may tend to introvert and keep to yourself, at which time I enjoyed pens, notebooks and papers," Burr said. "But not so much of outsiders, including family or close friends. If I hadn't had my mother's love, affection and guidance, I would have never came out of my shell. She is my true rock, and has saved me and always made me feel valued. Because of her I succeeded this far."

School was extremely difficult for her and she drew further away from any socialization.

"Sometimes I would hear others commenting of my differences, making me feel very alone and without value," Burr said. "I once heard someone comment saying I would never do good in school, or get far in accomplishing anything. But the more I closed in, the more I found what I could do and kept enjoying the art work I made. That gave me a sense of happiness I had never felt before, and I kept on making art."

"New Dimension" is her first book of three in her science fiction book series. "Healing and Confessions" is her second book. The latest book published is "The Ending."

Burr's publisher is J.D. Williams from Flint, and the books can be found on Amazon.com under Elizabeth Burr with the book title names.

Since publishing the book series, Burr has written two more books titled "The Clone" and "The Shapeshifter," also science fiction.

"With so much encouragement and community support lately, it has really charged me up to feel like anything is possible for me," Burr said. "Life goes on, no matter what happens — it may make you cry or it may make you happy. But no matter what life throws at you, just remember never surrender and keep moving on, knowing everything is going to be okay no matter what."

For more information on her books, visit Burr's fan account on Facebook under Liz's books.

___

(c)2021 Hillsdale Daily News, Mich.

Visit Hillsdale Daily News, Mich. at www.hillsdale.net

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.