Exclusive Interview with William Stillman!

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William Stillman is a renowned Autism author (who has Aspergers himself) and his books really changed our lives in terms of how we took on the challenges of parenting our son. He has totally empowered us (he is also drop dead gorgeous, but that's beside the point!). William very graciously agreed to an interview on my blog, and I used the opportunity to ask him about his own childhood, because one of the things I always wonder about successful adults with Aspergers, is what their parents did to get them there. I think you'll be very surprised by William's revelations about his childhood. He also shares with parents what he thinks got him through difficult times, to the success he found in his adulthood.

I would really encourage you to check out the interview at http://www.welcome-to-normal.com - there are so many interesting links and useful pieces of advice in this interview - I know I'm gushing, so I'll stop now

You deserve to gush: It was a very well written and engaging interview, and it inspires me to want to read his books. Also, the rest of your blog is very good too, I enjoyed reading the Mother's Day interviews. Keep up the great work Caitlin

Thanks Dave, that's kind of you to say

Hi Caitlin-
Thanks for posting the interview. When my son was first diagnosed, I read 2 of William Stillman's books. I was encouraged by the level of success he has been able to achieve. I find it ironic that his parents did little to help him, and he has come so far!

That was the most surprising thing to me too Angelbear. When I asked him that question, I expected to get some tips about all the wonderful things his parents did and how that led to his success, and of course I imagined myself taking that as advice for my own parenting.

But what a shock to hear about his childhood and his current relationship with his parents! In many ways, I think that is an even greater and more important lesson for the many parents who frequent these boards or blogs, because most of us are out seeking answers doing our best to connect with - and be the right kind of parents for - our kids. We spend so much time worrying about the little things sometimes, and yet William had neither the big nor the little things from his parents - he had just that one person in his Grandmother who really listened to and understood him. And in the end that was all it took for him to eventually find his way in the world.

I think we really need to hear the message that William shares in the interview about creating "a palpable atmosphere of love" in our homes. Something so simple - and yet so powerful.

William is giving a conference that I will be attending Tuesday.

Eddie