Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Dymystifing the Autistic Experience is one of those 'must reads' in autism. It is one of the rare books that offers a true look into autism. Bill grew up before Autism was diagnosable and like Temple Grandin and others hidden in the spectrum his story is one that explains an autism were one struggled quietly and alone to make sense of the world. Our Lives were strange and different but yet we came out well.

His event per event account of his autisitc life is true science and a lot of luck in action. His old time account of autism before it was a well 'known' condition is like a fine wine, getting better with time. He proves autism is not this wild unmanagle condition that requires massve intervention. His book is also another (unknowingly) report on Splinter Skills and Obessions and how well they serve the autisic person. They are our Learning Hallway and link to the world. Autisitc obessions have given the world the computer, (Alan Turing 1912-1954) and even Bill's own Wizzard of OZ obession has given the world a perfect Oz experience, in another book he co authored.

Bills' inside information and common sense experience from working in the field are 'just what the doctor ordered' and better yet is is based in reality and struggle of an era gone by. Concerned caring folks in the spectrum appreciate books like this.

As a parent of a twelve year old child with autism, I have read just about everything out there to help me make sense of this often complicated and confusing disorder. Much of the books I have read were redundant in their information and many just didn't apply to my child or our situation. I found myself able to relate possibly to a chapter or two at the most, before I would get discouraged and begin to look for another answer. This is not the case with this book. Bill Stillman is a gifted writer. His intention is to teach those who love someone with autism, how to accept, understand and embrace these precious children. His affection toward children on the spectrum is so evident. His information and explanations are refreshing. Bill has put together a book that is a MAJOR piece of the autism puzzle. His insights and intuitions, as well as his personal experiences and the loving and candid way he shares them are priceless. I am happy to have him on "our" side. If I could keep only one book about autism as a reference manual, it would be this one.

Last year I went to yet another (there have been many) "WORKSHOP" on AUTISM!
My 14 year old son is diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. He is my 4th of 5 GREAT kids.
So, My 23 year old daughter came with me (all my daughters are very involved) and it was
AMAZING!!! Since his diagnosis which was back in 1997, This was the FIRST time that
I ACTUALLY FELT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO LIVE WITH AUTISM! (if even for a little while)
We spoke at the break and I told him about my amazing son. We just so happened to sit right next to his podium and everyone was engaging with him. Especially me!!! I have read all his books and I
have a TRUE INSIGHT INTO MY SON'S AUTISM! We exchanged e-mails, and I always look foward to hear from him.
I dont think there was a dry eye in the whole area.
William Stillman's ability to share his own experiences with parents like me plus siblings,doctors,teachers &
therapists. ANYONE and EVERYONE would GREATLY BENEFIT from him.
Thank you.
Georgie's Mom