Autism and the God Connection: Redefining the Autistic Experience Through Extraordinary Accounts of Spiritual Giftedness

by William Stillman

"Everyone who seeks a more compassionate and wise life will benefit from this wonderful, insightful, and beautiful book." ― Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul One in 68 US children have an autism spectrum disorder, and with countless parenting books helping families care for children with special needs, Autism and the God Connection is the crucial, spiritual look at understanding a child with autism. Helping parents realize their child's unique spirit and reaffirm that every one of us is a blessing, this is an inspirational resource to discovering the intellect, beauty, and complexities of children with autism. Through countless interviews, William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness, and boldly challenges our traditionally held beliefs about people with disabilities. Readers will discover hope, comfort, inspiration, and love through these affirming anecdotes of ordinary families.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Psychology, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[erl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard Mr Stillman speak several years ago. I was moved by his presentation, and I learned a lot from his insights. I've been looking forward to reading his book ever since. I was quite disappointed. First off, the volume is so full of typos and grammatical errors as to distract from the content. Secondly, although Mr Stillman refers repeatedly to his "research", he does not employ anything resembling the scientific method. Lastly, he seems to see spirituality as synonymous with Christianity. He does not even attempt to discuss how the "exquisite sensitivity" that can accompany autism might manifest in other religious traditions. He does make several good points, some of which I recall from the workshop I attended. He refers to people who "have an autistic experience". And his recurring motto, "assume intellect", is always a good one. Still, this book was unsubstantiated at best and silly at worst.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that every family should read, whether you have a child diagnosed with autism or not because at the rate of diagnosis, we will ALL be involved with autism eventually in some way. Let's get comfortable with it right now. And that is the goal of this book, I believe, to get everyone at a comfort level with these incredible children. Here is the message I get from this author over and over from his various books on autism: this is NOT a condition that calls for a cure, this is an opportunity that allows us to become better, more spiritual people BECAUSE we are blessed enough to have an autist in our midst, whoever that may be; your child, your neighbor, your student, your niece, nephew, cousin, grandchild, WHOMEVER. Count your blessings, and then get a calculator, 'cause you'll need one-the blessing count gets that high...

[Katrina Warner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though it may sound intriguing, this book simply makes wild spiritual claims about people with autism. Not helpful for helping people with autism, or advocating for their rights.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author takes a very dualistic stand, claiming that our physical bodies are "shells" for our immortal spirits, which is neither a Christian belief nor helpful to people with disabilities at all. I'm surprised how stark his body/spirit dualism was given that he claims to want to help people with differences or disabilities. Once it becomes clear that the "God" referenced in the title is not explicitly the Christian God, it's a bit easier to understand Stillman's spiritual amalgamation; still, I think that should have been stated a bit more clearly at the beginning. Of course, Stillman does reveal his ignorance of Christian history by describing a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy as resembling Jesus. SMH.

Some of his wording is quite awkward and his direct addresses to the reader are distracting. I'm not sure how this book is considered "groundbreaking" when all it is is a collection of others' experiences - and some of them a stretch to be called "spiritual" - beyond what a nonautistic person might experience as spiritual anyway. It seems like what Stillman did was find autistic people who also happened to have had similar experiences, some of which might be able to be written off as coincidences and then said there was a connection between the two. But correlation is sometimes just that - two unrelated things that occur at the same time; this book is no more evidence for a special spirituality of autistic people than the individual experiences are.

I do not deny the experiences detailed in this book, of course and can even relate to many of them. I just think it's less "groundbreaking" as it is sloppy generalizing to draw a stronger connection between autism and spirituality than neurotypical experiences and spirituality. And I very much dislike Stillman's idea that the physical body is a home for the soul until the soul is done using it (he actually says that in the book); it has devastating consequences for those with physical disabilities and for the physical world in general. If the physical body is just a shell that the soul will slough off after death, why bother taking care of the planet? Why bother putting forth the extra effort physical disability demands if it is only the soul that is valuable and it is just "using" the body until it decides it's done?

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked "Autism and the God Connection." Reading the experiences the author wrote about I feel like my eyes were opened to the real possibility that special needs children do have a "God connection." In my quest to learn what I can about children on the autism spectrum, I believe this is a good book to read.

Here is a quote from a 15 year old autistic:

"God gives us the choice of what we want to experience. These choices direct our lives. My choice was to lead people home to their source. It requires my keeping my own connection and that requires a broken body. It is the beauty of it; a whole soul is a broken body; a broken soul is a complete body. To find divinity in a whole body is a very difficult thing. ...Suffering is God's way of freeing the soul."

[Laura Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book. I was extremely disappointed. It is really, really lame.

[Sverre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author is not shy about mixing New Age spirituality in with his advocacy for open minded assessment and compassionate treatment of children with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. God is referred to in the title but neither Christian fundamentalists nor traditional academic behaviourists will recognize established cultural God-bearings in Stillman's accounts and propositions. Religionist will complain about the work's lack of any doctrinal basis and academics will decry its lack of sound scientific basis. No doubt it is a fact that in the 21st century the ultimate truth about God, soul and spirituality is in the process of being liberated from the shackles of religion and Stillman is one of many at the forefront of that process. Many would privately agree that science can provide few answers about the paranormal and extrasensory.

The book has a profusion of personal anecdotes sourced from Stillman's clients and their parents and caregivers. Stillman, who has Asperger's himself, makes the book also quite self-biographical relating his own experiences and beliefs. I found many sections of the book worthwhile and even fascinating. I did not like its scattergun methodology. There is little flow or logical order to its composition. The chapters could be read in reverse order without altering the reader's participation in the author's quite valid and genuine arguments.

A wide spectrum of extrasensory and paranormal phenomena, theories and beliefs are presented in the book: clairvoyance, clairaudience, otherworldly experiences, reincarnation, visitations by spooks, the presence of ethereal guides and angels etc. The giftedness and generosity of the mentally and behaviourally challenged are concepts strongly presented. These individuals may lack some "normal" human abilities but are endowed with "special" divine abilities and characteristics. They have a lot to teach "normals". I know that most parents of a Down Syndrome child would readily agree with that.

Michael, a fifteen year old autistic provided these profound insights: "All the physical is but an illusion created by the soul yet it controls the soul for its duration on earth. Suffering is God's way of freeing the soul. It is why the greatest goodness is seen there. Goodness always shows itself among suffering, yet we focus on the bad aspects of it and ignore the beauty of it. Rare is the time when the beauty rises above it. Nine-eleven [September 11, 2001] was such a time." p 217

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read on page 11 about the child with Asperger's Syndrome asking God to forgive Osama bin Laden on the night of September 11, 2001, William Stillman had me. The subtitle is informative, as the book is a collection of anecdotes on the spiritual gifts of people with autism.

The purpose of sharing these anecdotes is to encourage the people in the life of a person with autism to presume intellect, to presume spirit, in the same way they presume intellect for someone with cerebral palsy or epilepsy. Some of the recently developed technologies for helping people with autism to communicate (touch keyboards, Facilitated Communication, etc.) make the idea of presuming intellect much more plausible than it used to be.

This is not a science book, as there is no scientific explanation offered for the surge in autism spectrum diagnoses, and no scientific explanation offered for any connection between autism and spiritual gifts. The works of psychics such as Sylvia Browne and John Edwards are used to explain these phenomena, as well as the books of writers on the cusp of science and spirituality like Raymond Moody and Dean Hamer. If you're not into these kinds of writings, you may not like this book.

But in the middle of all my harumphing, Stillman had me again on page 167, with the story of Elena, a girl with low-functioning autism, who opens the hearts of people with her actions.

Michael, a young man with autism, puts the exclamation point at the end of the book when he writes, "Suffering is God's way of freeing the soul."

I grasp that this book has been a great comfort to individuals with autism, and to the families and caregivers of people with autism.

The reason I don't give this book five stars is because Stillman references a number of different spiritual traditions (New Age, Christian, Hindu), and doesn't see any differences or inconsistencies between them.

[Eryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sadly disappointed by this read. The title in itself makes one believe that the book might be about God's relationship with our asd children, perhaps even insight about how we can advocate for autistic children in a godly way...however I couldn't determine whose god the author is trying to describe. The summary seems to be that autistic children have a deeper connection to the spiritual world and that a god has sent them here to teach us...I don't necessarily disagree, however there are no biblical truths presented; no scripture to hold up to and validate the author's themes. In fact, there are so many mystical, supernatural references that I questioned which "god connection" the author might be referring to. It seemed odd and misleading that in a book claiming autistic children have a deep connection with god...Yahweh ("He is God; there is no other besides Him" - duet 4:35) has no voice...

There are so many anecdotes (wonderful stories about wonderful children, yes) but the author clearly states that most of the names/places are pseudonyms and I had a hard time connecting with these mini fragments. The writing itself seemed cluttered and disorganized.

I appreciate the passion the author had in collecting his wealth of references, but he left out the most important reference (the Bible) when referencing God. ASD children have a valuable identity in Christ, however the author did not make this point.

[Cheryl Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, even if you don't have anyone with autism in your life. I do not have anyone in my life with autism, but I have a friend who does & she was telling me about some of their experiences. It so intrigued me that I had to know more. This book was so dead on to what she had shared with me, truly incredible. Her friend with autism has communicated to her that autism was given to him as a gift from his God. He has a strong purpose in life & embraces his autism which is echoed throughout this book.

Thank you for all the work to bring this book together. I will be sharing it with my friend.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I finally give up. I tried to read this book and I've been wrestling with it for months. I give up. The author uses 20 words when 10 would work better, make the topic clearer. By now not only can I not trudge through the book but I no longer care. It's such a chore that I don't want to read it anymore. Such a potentially interesting topic, and the opportunity to explore it squandered. I can't recommend this book. Buy it at your own risk.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is autistic and makes the case that autistic people have a unique connection to the spiritual and can exhibit paranormal abilities.

A profoundly broken body often houses a profoundly gifted soul.

Great resources listed for those who are or live and work with autistic people.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book last night. My daughter works with young children on the spectrum and it hit the mark of all that we both believe. Amazing, special people here to heal the Earth.

[Hil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing codswallop.

[Pam Camel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only got 100 pages in. It's dry and boring. At times felt like a bad lecture.

[Melissa Coffield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so intriguing and explained a lot for me. Both me and my two boys have a CHD8 gene duplication that caused autism. I have read many books on autism; many more on the clinical side and some a bit more light hearted. This book was unlike any I have read.

Although this book was not exactly what I expected, it was definitely worth the read. It explained some of the experiences I have had of a spiritual nature.

I am a strong believer in Christ. He has helped me through many situations. This book made me feel like I am not crazy; I am not alone in seeing demons and angels on rare occasions.

This book explains how truly special and spiritual many people with what some call disabilities are. With those who have heightened sensory issues it makes sense that they may be more in tune with God and the spiritual realm. The author does a fantastic job of sharing many people's personal testimonies in this book. I especially liked his parable about the butterfly (you will have to read it to find out!).

I am so glad God led me to this book. I had such fun reading it and I learned quite a bit. The only reason I didnt give it full stars is because of the publishing (not the authors fault). I bought it new and there were several areas where the type was very faint and a few areas where sections were in boxes and the spacing wasnt right causing words to be crossed out.

Overall this book was fantastic. I reccomend it whether you or a loved one have an "autism experience" or not, believer or not.

[Emily Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was useful to me at a time when I was trying to understand my son's precocious spirituality better as well as his diagnosis.

[Jean Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I approached this one with an open mind (I thought anyway), but was disappointed the God experiences were wholly Christian.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the type of reading I was expecting.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mixed review. The author claims repeatedly that these experiences are not indicative that all autistic people are psychics and mystics, but then all of his examples and quotes are of the mind that they are. It really sends mixed signals.

I LOVE the idea of "presume intelligence." I totally agree with the idea that we need to listen to people with autism with an open mind and let ourselves be open to the idea that they might be getting information in a way in which we are not. Personally, my experience is that some autistic people do have a special connection to spirituality and I think its great to be looking for that when I'm interacting with people who can't communicate in the way I'm used to communicating.

But some parts of this book gave me the willies. There are multiple examples of quotes in the book that talk about autistic people like they are some kind of super-human-alien-fairy-unicorn. Please. Autistics are human. Some of them are into spiritual things and others aren't. Many autistics aren't spiritual at all, but the idea of assuming intelligence still works.

In the end, I'd have to say that this is a great book for a very limited audience. For people who are immerced in religious/new aged culture, this is an interesting way to see autistic people as community members. For others, its going to be a bit much. For people like myself who see themselves in-between the two, its a split book. Some really good moments and some cringe worthy ones.

[Erin Isgett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but there were just so many assumptions and attempts at connection-making that just felt so forced. I really did have to make myself finish the book, mainly in the hopes that it would redeem itself. I did, however, appreciate the author's desire to honor autistic individuals and his belief that their "suffering is not imposed upon [them] by [their] Creator but by the attitudes and mores of others who haven't yet accorded the autistic experience the reverence, appreciation, and understanding it is due...Perhaps some day soon we will initiate a movement that supports individuals with different ways of being from a standpoint that shows we've really listened."

[Erin Healy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eye-opening and sensitive speculation about the spiritual and even supernatural giftedness of persons with autism. William Stillman's love and respect for the families he serves permeates these pages and loads the book with tangible value. Though not scientifically convincing, his theories are respectable and his anecdotal support is captivating.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, but seemed a little cultish. Some of what was said went against my beliefs and what the bible says. However, the realization my children (both with autism) are probably more sensitive than I am (I have prophetic/discernment tendancies) was interesting.

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Faith can be a powerful thing for a person in need.

[Lisa Dorenkamp]

I started reading this book a few years ago, but need to take the time to start reading it again. What I have read so far is engaging, probably why I bought the book!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a unique perspective into the world of Autism by focusing on spirituality (God, angels, ghosts). You have to keep an open mind while reading this.

[Anne Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! I have had many of the same experiences working with autistic children I have known. Very realistic.

[Peter Hakkenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book... explores the spiritual connection of those with autism. Very much worth the read, provoking much thought.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple: Wow... It is neat to think that we are ALL connected...

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate his insight.