Demystifying the Autistic Experience: A Humanistic Introduction for Parents, Caregivers and Educators [Paperback]

William Stillman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 29, 2002

Parents, caregivers and educators are often at a loss about how best to support an individual with autism because they are overwhelmed by "behaviors," inundated with prognoses and clinical jargon, or confused by technical information. This book introduces autism from a non-clinical, humanistic perspective emphasizing that we are all more alike than different. The author deconstructs the fundamental components of autism using language, examples and anecdotes that are concrete and understandable for all. Reinforced for the reader is the importance of listening carefully to what people are telling us about valuing differences, personal passions, communication, and holistic wellness. Group brainstorming exercise activities are included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Stillman has worked in the disabilities field since 1987 and was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as the statewide point person for children and adolescents with mental health issues and autism. Bill is an adult with Asperger's Syndrome, and regularly presents on autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (January 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843107260
• ISBN-13: 978-1843107262
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,116,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Stillman is the award-winning author of 10 special needs parenting books including his groundbreaking work "Autism and the God Connection," the first study of profound spiritual and metaphysical giftedness of some individuals with autism. His books have been featured on "The Glenn Beck Show" and the NBC-TV hit "Parenthood." To date, his books have been translated in three languages. Stillman has also written for The Huffington Post and BasilandSpice.com. He is one of the autism authorities at Sharecare.com, an online health and wellness platform created by Dr. Oz, HARPO Productions, and Discovery Communications. As an adult with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild "cousin" of autism, Stillman endeavors to highlight the exquisite sensitivities of our most valuable, wise, and loving "teachers." His Web site is www.williamstillman.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights -- by a sister, mother, aunt, November 17, 2002

By 

Bonnie (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demystifying the Autistic Experience: A Humanistic Introduction for Parents, Caregivers and Educators (Paperback)

This is a terrific, unique book. It is filled with incredibly helpful insights. I have found there are 2 kinds of books on autism --the "clinical" type which gives descriptions and teaches interventions, as if we're all merely onlookers. The second type is the (auto)biographical. This book is finally a new and much needed genre. Mr. Stillman takes you right into the world of a person with an autistic way of being. It's not an ailment to be "fixed". He explains how ASD is a way of being. He draws from his experience with many children and adults, filtered through his own Asperger's experience.

For example there is the story about a little girl who laughs inappropriately. Rather than lecture us on how to teach her when it is ok to laugh, he explains WHY SHE LAUGHED. (It's hilarious.)I took this story to my (adult)ASD brother. He identified immediately, telling me a few of his own stories. We laughed and laughed!

I am the sister, mom, and aunt of people with an autistic way of being. Mr. Stillman's insights have helped me immeasurably in my relationships with them and others. You need to read this.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stillman's approach is fresh and loving., January 2, 2003

By 

astropedious (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demystifying the Autistic Experience: A Humanistic Introduction for Parents, Caregivers and Educators (Paperback)

Bill Stillman writes with exquisite sensitivity and calls the reader to share that respectful approach. This helps the reader learn how to support the person(s) whom they love who happen to have autistic experiences. Further, this approach leads readers to examine their interactions with all other people.

Bill writes about his own experiences as well as the lives of others. These vignettes were wonderful illustrations of how those with autistic experiences live. One of the greatest gifts of this book, however, is its tacit invitation to all readers to examine our own lives. This is especially poignant for those who are "typical."

I found myself asking if we wouldn't all be better off by recognizing and embracing the autistic features that lay dormant in each one of us. Being sensitive, saying what we mean (and meaning what we say), and recognizing our own difficulties in communication (especially when frustrated) could make life more pleasant for everyone.

Those with an autistic experience have much to teach; we all have a responsibility to learn.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great -- Terrific Insights -- Must Read, December 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Demystifying the Autistic Experience: A Humanistic Introduction for Parents, Caregivers and Educators (Paperback)

This is a must-read. Highly recommended. I am a parent of young child who has high-functioning autism, and I have gained some very good insights from Mr Stillman's writings. He also helps us see ourselves through the eyes of those we think of as 'different' -- not always a pretty sight!