Miracle Boy Grows Up: How the Disability Rights Revolution Saved My Sanity

NPR commentator and freelance writer Mattlin was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a hereditary neurological disorder. He was not expected to live long—about half of the infants who show symptoms of SMA do not live past age two—but Mattlin was one of the lucky ones simply because he lives. This memoir details how he does so, including all the nitty-gritty details that curious readers will find themselves wondering about. He relates the circumstances of his life to the disability rights movement and shows how he benefited from the work of activists to create a world in which he was able to succeed. Mattlin is candid about his challenges (e.g., finding a job, hiring attendants) but he isn't looking for pity, just understanding. He explains, "Whatever I accomplish will not be despite my disability but with it."