Two hundred individuals attended “Demystifying Autism and Other Neurological Differences” on October 29, 2009. The conference, sponsored by The Advocacy Center, featured William Stillman, author of  several books, including Empowered Autism Parenting: Celebrating (and Defending) Your Child’s Place in the World. As an individual with Asperger’s syndrome, Stillman presents a unique perspective and approach.

The Advocacy Center decided to bring Stillman to Rochester after Kerri Noyes, Linda Chadderdon and Pat Muir heard him speak earlier this year. As parents of individuals with autism, they felt Stillman’s message was unique. Noyes commented that Stillman’s presentation gave her a greater understanding of her son’s “way of being” and helped her become a better mother.

Audience members on October 29 agreed with Noyes’s assessment. A school district employee who attended commented:  “William Stillman is a wonderful speaker! Every employee of our school district would greatly benefit from this seminar. The topics covered in this seminar are not only beneficial in our relationships with people with neurological differences but also with everyone we encounter.”  A parent who attended had the following to say: “I am going home with ideas to implement and hopefully more patience and compassion toward my child.”