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Amalia Starr is an author, motivational speaker and family consultant. She specializes in supporting parents of children with autism and special needs through workshops, seminars, and private sessions.  Utilizing a background in sales and marketing, she was the host of a cable show dedicated to parents who had children with special needs. Her results-based approach focuses on empowering both parents and their children to reach their full potential. She has devoted more than thirty-six years developing the skills to empower her son, Brandon.

Starr’s newly released book, Raising Brandon takes the reader from Brandon’s birth to age thirty-six.  The professionals that worked with her son, Brandon, said he would never be able to live alone—due to having, autism, epilepsy, and learning disorders.  They were wrong.  Brandon has been living on his own for more than twelve years, enjoying his independence. This book is filled with practical strategies offering help, hope and inspiration to parents who don’t know where to turn.

For more information, visit AmaliaStarrSpeakerAutism.com

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I do speaking engagements and seminars, and I love it.  I want parents to know that it is never too early or too late to get help for their children with special needs.  There is hope. 

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

Most people feel when you write a book you are an expert.  Writing Raising Brandon has opened many doors.  Today, I am living my dream, and I love what I do. I offer presentations, workshops, seminars, training sessions, and private consultations.  I enjoy sharing my experience and the information I have gathered over the past thirty-six years while raising my son, Brandon. 

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Almost everyday I am in contact with my readers through speaking engagements, private consultations, radio shows, phone, e-mail, tweeting, blogging etc. 

What will your next project be?

I am working on a workbook to accompany my book, Raising Brandon, as well as a book on how we make changes.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

I am a big Oprah fan, and I have been one from her very first show.  She is a powerful and dynamic lady who came from nothing.  Her story gives hope and speaks volumes to others who want to break through and live their passion.  She is a fabulous role model. 

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I love public speaking. I feel the happiest when I am giving a presentation and I am helping others.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Take advantage of every minute and work towards your goal, your dream, and your passion. It takes perseverance.  Believe in yourself, and see your book in the completed stage, even if you are just beginning.  Visualization, a positive attitude and hard work create a winning combination. 

How did you get started as a writer?

Thirty-six years ago when my son, Brandon, was born I had a very hard time finding a book written by a mother who had a child with a disability.  At that time, I made a vow that one day I would a write book on the subject.  I am thrilled to say that I kept that vow when I wrote, Raising Brandon.  I was passionate about my mission and was driven by every cell in my body.  I wanted to spread hope and share how I helped my son, against all odds, achieve independence.  

What does a typical work day look like for you?

We first need to remove the word typical.  I usually go to bed rather late, because in the wee hours of the morning my creativity comes alive.  Everyday is quite different, but my mission remains the same.  I reach out through speaking, workshop, and private consultations to parents and professional who have a child or work with children who have special needs. I love what I do, because helping other parents with special needs children is near and dear to my heart. 

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

I had a friend who was an editor who truly believed in my story and with her ongoing support I continued to write.  It took almost twelve years to complete my book.  I found that Brandon and I had to grow into our story, and it wasn’t until Brandon had twelve years of living independently under his belt that I felt I had a message of tremendous value and was worth sharing with other parents and professionals.  

Who is your favorite writer/author?

It changes, but for now it would have to be Eckhart Tolle

What is your favorite book?

The Power of Now, because it changed my thinking and in turn my life became so much better.  I love books that can help to alter a person’s perception and help them to become more conscious individuals.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?

The last song I sang out loud was—You’re going to make it after all.  It was the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and I haven’t thought of that song in many years.  I found myself singing it out loud in the market after giving a presentation, and it truly surprised me as joyous tears ran down my face.  I believe the songs we sing have great messages in them, and they often tell us much about the moment we are living.

Thank you Amalia! We wish you great success with Raising Brandon and related projects!