This book was written with the intention of promoting awareness of intellectual disabilities and Special Olympics. Intellectual disabilities affects many lives and it is the author's hope that by using this easy-to-read picture-book format she will acquaint children with other children who have physical or mental handicaps that make them appear different. She wants to make children's early experiences with the handicapped good ones, so that throughout life, they will accept everyone "just as they are." The wording used throughout this story keeps the reader focused on the fact that children who appear different are still "children just like them." Amanda, Just the way I am brings to light the issues handicapped persons face from a child's point of view. This book gives adults and children a perfect tool for understanding each others' differences and similarities.