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The Soul of Autism: Looking Beyond Labels to Unveil Spiritual Secrets of the Heart Savants
by William Stillman
Publish Date: April 2008
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Paperback, 224 pages; published by New Page Books
ISBN: 1601630050
In Autism and the God Connection, William Stillman chartered new
territory by documenting extraordinary accounts of spiritual giftedness in those
with autism—persons often deemed intellectually inferior. But more remains to be
told. For those of us not privy to the ease with which many autistics tap their
divine resources, we may ask, “How does it work?” Stillman’s new book, The Soul
of Autism, responds by exploring the following:
- Why the unaccountable and dramatic rise in autism—with no
single known cause—is a necessary part of our spiritual evolution.
- What is the secret component that makes autistic telepathy
possible for us all if we only avail ourselves of it?
- If certain autistics communicate with animals, what are the
animals saying, and how might that hold relevance for the rest of us?
- Perceiving deceased grandparents in Spirit is not an
uncommon experience for many autistics, but what implies reciprocation in
these highly unusual relationships that, curiously enough, center upon
grandfathers?
- How might we tap our multisensory giftedness like those
with autism have? The author shares seven steps he developed to undergo a
spiritual transformation (from which he escaped a brush with suicidal
thoughts), and demonstrates how he applies it with glowing affirmations.
In pursuing answers, The Soul of Autism explores these aspects of
spirituality through an autistic prism. We all hold the capacity for unlimited
possibilities, but how we do it is what we may come to know from those who do it
naturally. We have much to be learning from our autistic friends about
transcendence rising, a new humanity accessible for all. The Soul of Autism
illuminates the way.
Click here to pre-order this book on amazon.com
Advance Praise for The Soul of Autism:
“I believe the world owes William Stillman a debt of gratitude for the courage
it took him to research and write this book. It is filled with rare wisdom and
amazing stories that will totally surprise you!”
—P.M.H. Atwater, Th.D., author of Beyond the Indigo Children
“William Stillman continues his fascinating exploration of the myriad
connections between autism and human personality. The Soul of Autism makes a
strong case for why we should embrace rather than fear the differences between
us.”
—Dean Hamer, Ph.D., geneticist and author of The God Gene
“William Stillman offers a wholly unique, compelling vision of autism. In The
Soul of Autism, he reveals the often unrecognized spiritual gifts of those “on
the spectrum” and explains how they can help all of us open to our deeper
selves. Stillman believes the world needs autism. And after reading this moving
and inspiring book, you will see why.”
—Melissa Chianta, Managing Editor, Mothering magazine
“As a family member of someone with autism, the importance of William Stillman’s
work cannot be understated. I recommend The Soul of Autism to all who are
attempting to understand these special earth angels at a deeper level.”
—Shelley Kaehr, Ph.D., author of Lifestream
“From the first sentence of Chapter One, “The world needs autism,” Stillman
gently but firmly lets you know are about the listen to truths hitherto
unarticulated and questions we can no longer avoid. Why do schools develop ‘best
practices’ without consulting the highest experts of all, those with autism?
Should society not be exerting equal effort in embracing diversity as we do in
trying to create ‘normalcy?’ Are you brave enough to take Bill’s ‘simulated
autism’ exercise—and face the emotional results? Regardless of where you fall on
the spiritual spectrum, these are questions that deserve contemplation and
action."
—Ellen Notbohm, author of the award-winning Ten Things Every
Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
“The Soul of Autism opens new avenues of understanding and raises
serious questions about the assumption of lack of intelligence in any human
being. Both ‘the assumption of intelligence and creativity’ and ‘the judgment
that no intelligence and creativity exists’ are equally statements of faith, so
why not choose intelligence and creativity and see what happens? Captain Picard
of Star Trek: the Next Generation makes the statement, ‘I believe that with
persistence and imagination communication is possible.’ The Soul of Autism
forcefully makes a similar statement with numerous concrete illustrations from
the experiences of people who live with and within the autism spectrum.”
—Laurence A. Becker, Ph.D., Creative Learning Environments, and producer of the
international award-winning documentary film With Eyes Wide Open: Richard
Wawro, Artist
“By opening the door to the invisible regions of life—where angels tread—this
book, The Soul of Autism, turns darkness to light, confusion to insight, and
shame to beauty. For, the desperate plight of the autistic is but a metaphor of
the “momentous shift,” as Stillman terms it, that promises all humanity “a new
brotherhood,” the ineluctable paradigm shift which erases isolation, neglect,
depression, insecurity, dogma and terrible abuse, replacing it all with
tolerance, nonviolence, service, knowledge, humility—and love.”
—Susan B. Martinez, Ph.D., Book Review Editor, Academy of Spirituality and
Paranormal Studies
“The Soul of Autism is a balanced and beautiful discussion of what is possible
when we look outside our standard world view of those on the autism spectrum.
Every parent, grandparent, friend, or educator with exposure to such a uniquely
blessed child will relate to the powerful stories of connection and love. In the
worlds of the soul, these heart savants may well be our greatest leaders.”
—Robin Rice, creator of Meditationmovie.com
and author of A Hundred Ways to Sunday
“Once again, William Stillman shows us why we must nurture both the intellectual
and Divine uniqueness of our loved ones with autism.”
—Liane Gentry Skye, Author, Parent Advocate, Right to Communicate Educational
Advocate
“Autism has been described as mysterious, alien, devastating and a puzzle to be
solved by those who look at it from the outside and attempt to make those who
have it appear normal. Those of us who have chosen a different route have
discovered that looking at autism from within provides a totally different
perspective. The Soul of Autism takes us on a journey of discovery into the
spiritual aspects of autism which are so often overlooked and ignored by those
who are desperately searching for a cure. This book is truly a wake-up call for
all of us to look with new eyes at those who are different. This book is a
must-read for anyone who truly is interested in understanding and connecting
with those on the autism spectrum.”
—Gail Gillingham Wylie, author of Autism: Handle with Care and Autism: A New
Understanding
“William Stillman is one of the few who can translate the workings of the
autistic mind to the neurotypical community—and he uses his ability to delve
into timeless philosophical issues. How do we know what is real? Is there a
power beyond ourselves through which we can find a deeper understanding of
ourselves and others? How do we communicate with those who cannot speak for
themselves? Through every page of The Soul of Autism shines Stillman’s most
important point about individuals with autism and similar disorders: no matter
how a person appears on the surface, one should always presume and respect their
intellect and human spirit.”
—Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders
“Kudos to the author, William Stillman, for sharing the stories and science in
clear, easy-to-read language in The Soul of Autism. His respect and integrity in
this presentation is outstanding as he shares the stories of intuitive persons labelled autistic and what they can teach us.”
—Caron B. Goode, Ed.D., coauthor of Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma
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