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.

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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




Autism And the God Connection: Redefining the Autistic Experience Through Extraordinary Accounts of Spiritual Giftedness
by William Stillman
Publish date: April 2006

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Paperback, 272 pages; published by Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1402206496

A powerful, groundbreaking new book for anyone touched by autism.

Autism has captured the world's attention as the neurological disorder that impacts one out of every 166 children---ten times higher than just ten years ago. Despite the international scrambling of scientists to provide an explanation, there remains no single known cause for the rise in autism.

Autism and the God Connection is the first book of its kind to view autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning. Through countless, compelling interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness.

Autism and the God Connection boldly challenges our traditionally held beliefs about people with disabilities. Readers looking for hope, inspiration and a deeper understanding of their loved ones will appreciate the affirming anecdotes of ordinary families.


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Advance Praise for Autism and the God Connection:

"Everyone who seeks a more compassionate and wise life will benefit from this wonderful, insightful, and beautiful book. It is a very short step from understanding autism and the God connection to understanding you and the God Connection."

---Gary Zukav
author of The Seat of the Soul and The Dancing Wu Li Masters


Thank you, William Stillman, for confirming what I have suspected to be true: our son is a gift with a special mission to fulfill on the planet earth. The stories in your life affirming book show us that parents of children on the autism spectrum have been blessed with an opportunity for greater spiritual meaning in their lives. Autism and the God Connection will transform the way our society views 'so called' disabilities.

---Nancy Alspaugh
author of Not Your Mother's Midlife and Fearless Women, Midlife Portraits
and mother of ASD child


This book is a must read, whether you love someone with an autistic-spectrum disorder, or work in the field. William Stillman describes a parallel process of discovering his own spirituality, while exploring the heightened spiritual connectedness of those he works with. The result provides a deep sense of hope and understanding that I've not experienced with other books on autistic-spectrum disorders.

---Jeffrey A. Naser, M.D.
Medical Director, Main Line Clinical Associates


Autism and the God Connection is a fascinating and timely exploration of the special sensitivities and spiritual connections of people with autism.

---Dean Hamer, Ph.D.
geneticist and author of The God Gene


Autism and the God Connection is a compelling, powerful, and thought provoking book. Stillman describes the discoveries that unfold from conversations that he has with people that have a difficult time with conventional communication. He is able to see, feel and hear people from different perspectives.

---Nicki Fischer
Executive Director, Publisher and Editor,
The Autism Perspective magazine


The information and descriptions noted about the autistic experience in Autism and the God Connection should be well received by those touched with autism and by the understanding people who know them. It is like a breath of fresh air, a release of knowledge and feelings that were avoided and rarely acknowledged as truth. The accumulation and presentation of this information should enlighten people in the field of autism as well as people who want to help people.

"We all need to take a fresh look at who we are and who the individuals are that we are trying to help. We need to realize their attributes, promote the recognition and development of such, and enjoy the beauty of each individual as one of God's creations. Mr. Stillman takes us to a new dimension of understanding of self and others; but understanding with which we should become better acquainted and of which we should make better use.

---William L. Jones, Ed.D.
Faculty Emeritus, Department of Special Education,
Bloomsburg University


Autism and the God Connection is a formidable challenge to simplistic explanations of autism. The clinical stories in this book raise significant questions about the nature of consciousness and its relationship to the brain. This book is about more than neurological issues; it is about our nature, our origin and destiny---in short, our connection with the Absolute, however named.

--- Larry Dossey, M.D.
author of The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things


"I had often wondered if there were many others with autism who have spiritual experiences similar to mine, so I appreciated Stillman's courage in writing this revealing book. While many without autism also develop spiritual gifts, it is important that people recognize this in those with autism, so I highly recommend Autism and the God Connection. I believe we live in an age of spiritual awakening and Stillman's research is a great example of this.

---Penelope McMullen
Catholic Sister, person with autism, and author of "The Gifted Side of Autism", Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities


"William Stillman's Autism and the God Connection is a sensitive and illuminating work which could dramatically change how we view autism."

---Carol Bowman, author of Children's Past Lives and Return from Heaven


"Speaking from the heart, William Stillman provides us with a unique look at autism's inner soul. This wonderful book should be required reading for parents of special children, and especially for teachers and clinicians who may be making some incorrect assumptions about the inner vitality and intellectual abilities of autistic function. Definitely an illuminating and inspiring read!"

---Dorita S. Berger
author of Music Therapy, Sensory Integration and the Autistic Child


"An intensely rare and innovative book! William Stillman has opened the door to a most intriguing partnership between the treatment of autism and metaphysical studies. The personal stories of autistics as narrated in this book parallel the 'multisensory' experiences described by intuitives, mystics and psychics, and call to mind the abilities of shaman who are able to traverse between the world of spirit and this physical plane. What an amazing realization that those long considered mentally challenged may actually be far more advanced in terms of spiritual perception, and it is we who must strive to advance to their level of understanding."

---Kathy L. Callahan, Ph.D.
author of Multisensory Human: The Evolution of the Soul



The Autism Answer Book
by William Stillman
Publish date: September 2007
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Paperback, 320 pages; published by Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1402209770
 
It is currently estimated that 1 in 150 kids are affected by autism and that number is increasing at an alarming rate.

In a time when parents are overwhelmed with confusing, and often conflicting, information, The Autism Answer Book provides them clear and confident counsel by providing straightforward answers to their most pressing questions.

Written by an author who himself has been touched by autism, The Autism Answer Book covers such topics as:
  • Getting a diagnosis
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Physical well-being
  • Mental health
  • School success

Written in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The Autism Answer Book helps parents understand and accept their child's diagnosis and develop a plan for success.

From July-August 2008 Autism Asperger’s Digest:
“The Autism Answer Book is a gift from the brilliant voice of an exceptional author and speaker. Stillman’s version of ‘Autism 101’ manages to face the challenges of autism head-on while imparting hope and encouragement.”
© 2008, Autism Asperger’s Digest


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The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Bipolar Disorder: Professional, Reassuring Advice to Help You Understand and Cope
by William Stillman
(technical review by Jeffrey Naser, M.D.)
Publish date: November 2005
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Paperback, 304 pages; published by Adams Media Corporation
ISBN: 1593374461

Build a loving, supportive environment for your child.

What does it mean for your child to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Where can you go to understand mood disorders, depression, and the highs and lows associated with this condition?

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Bipolar Disorder is an authoritative handbook designed specifically for parents with questions about their child's emotional well-being, options for medication and therapy, and educational considerations.

Author William Stillman helps you:
  • Define bipolar disorder
  • Recognize symptoms of mental health issues
  • Find a doctor and get a diagnosis
  • Heighten awareness of depression, mania and mood swings Maintain healthy family relationships
  • Navigate the teen years


Complete with professional advice to help you cope with daily life, this all-inclusive resource provides reassuring answers for you and your child.

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The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome: Help, Hope, and Guidance
by William Stillman
Publish date: January 30, 2005
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Paperback, 304 pages; published by Adams Media Corporation
ISBN: 1593371535

From The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome, author William Stillman's definition of AS: "Asperger's Syndrome is the natural way by which some perceive the world from an alternate perspective and logic, creating misunderstandings, misinterpretations and social challenges when one attempts to assimilate with the world at large."

As a parent of a child with Asperger's syndrome, you may wonder what to expect as your son or daughter journeys through childhood. Your son is of average or above average intelligence, but how will he handle a fast-paced school atmosphere? Your daughter has little difficulty talking to adults, but how will she interact with her peers?

With The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome at your side, you'll take the first steps toward understanding this pervasive development disorder and how it may impact your child. This complete handbook for coping with daily life helps you:
  • Get a diagnosis and understand the results
  • Discover the best options for education and learning
  • Work to improve your child's social skills
  • Identify triggers that lead to sensory overload, such as sounds, bright lights, or certain textures and fabrics
  • Recognize symptoms of meltdowns and work with your child to prevent them
  • Educate family and friends about Asperger's to provide a supportive and loving environment
  • Explore other resources, including reading lists, Web sites, and support groups

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome shows you how you can maintain a positive attitude, honor your child's unique experience, and strengthen the bond between you and your child.