The Soul of Autism: Looking Beyond Labels to Unveil Spiritual Secrets of the Heart Savants

by William Stillman

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer...combined. In Autism and the God Connection , William Stillman presented extraordinary accounts of spiritual giftedness in autistic children and adults, persons often deemed intellectually inferior. Now, in The Soul of Autism , Stillman shows:
We have much to learn from our autistic friends about transcendence rising, a new humanity accessible for all. The Soul of Autism , a Nautilus Book Award winner, illuminates the way.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psychology, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, clearly I should have looked at this book more closely before I checked it out. But I just saw "autism" and was like, oohh, cool! Because I work with kids with autism and I am interested in the autistic spectrum and I DO think many autistic people are wonderful and smart and great and there is a lot of false labelling and misunderstanding about people on the spectrum. But this book is laame, mostly b/c the main premise is that the author thinks autistic children have a special connection with God. I don't think they do.. mostly b/c I don't think ANYONE has a special connection with God, b/c I don't believe in God. This is my bias. Fine. But the book is kind of in a weird place b/c it's not really trying to be fiction, but at the same time, it's not really non-fiction, as I'd think even the author would have a hard time claiming any of the claims he makes in this book are really evidence-based. It's really anecdotal.. a lot of stories from parents saying their children are special. Which I'm sure they ARE. Butttt..not sure special is equal to having supernatural abilities and being like little windows to God or what the hell ever the author is claiming. And I'm pretty sure a child's parent is about the least objective source you could possibly find in regards to reporting scientifically about their children's behavior. Also not really understanding your telepathy arguments either. So, sorry. Not buying it, Mr. Stillman.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The world needs autism" begins this wonderful book. William Stillman follows up his excellent "Autism and the God Connection" with a book that argues for the gifts persons with autism bring to us all. His ideas provide a resounding counter to the "cure" autism idea and instead urge "neuro-typicals" to embrace and learn from autism. As a mother of a wonderful boy with autism, Stillman's research gives me hope that my son may not experience the discrimination of fear and "ought-ism" so often faced by persons with autism by the general population. I am thoroughly enjoying this read.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book "The Soul of Autism" and Stillman's "Autism and the God Connection" attempt to describe a phenomena that I myself have witnessed in my own children as well as other children diagnosed with ASD. There is definately something going on with these kids which has yet to be explored. Stillman does his best to try and offer some explanations to the reasons behind some of the extra sensory phenomenon but the books often seem to strain to make connections and plausable theories. These books chronicle the beginning of something - the extra sensory gifts of children with ASD will end up becoming a world changing force simply because of the sheer numbers of children being born with ASD's in the last 10 years or so. I suspect that we will be hearing a lot more about the spirituality and worldview of people with ASD in my generation and the generations to come.

[Kayla Lindbloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was based on a really great idea but it was kind of lacking. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over, and I think the author could have done so much more with the initial idea behind the book.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this book and read it with an open mind thinking I would take what I could from it and leave the rest; I have my belief system so when I feel people are preaching to me in the name of God my hackles do go up. However I found myself excitedly reading it to a point I believe I need to read it again in a bid to absorb more. My son is on the autistic spectrum and so much of this book is him; even to the detail of assisting and communicating with a Downs Syndrome child where there is mutual appreciation. As I toddler I referred to him as a little healer as he approached people that seemed so closed. I am saddened by people who perceive autism as a disability. These individuals have so much to teach us. A fabulous book.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. It defintily got me thinking about children who have autism and how they could have special connections to God. I have a daughter who has autism. She is a special girl and I'm know God loves her, but I don't think she has had visions or walks with God- at least not in this life.
You probably won't like this book if you don't believe in God or a higher power.

[Lea Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I have a son with Asperger's and recognize a special connection with autistic kids and spirituality. However, I was a bit disappointed. It was a little "preachy" in my opinion and I was hoping for something more solid, factual, and tangible not so anecdotal (the skeptic and scientist in me I guess). Some anecdotes would be fine, it just wasn't a good fit for me.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard the author on a Webinar. I liked his approach to autistic individauls - assume intellect. Interesting book. A possibility, I guess. Probability, probably less.

[Rebekka Van straalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book didn't unveil any secrets. Stillman mostly is promoting his own services, written from a very Christian perspective, which isn't bad per se though, but I hold another idea on spiritualism.