PHILADELPHIA  (March 25, 2010) -- He has been dubbed “The Autism Whisperer” for his innate ability to understand and interpret children and adults on the autism spectrum.  On Tuesday, April 6, William Stillman – who himself is an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild “cousin” of autism – will speak at Saint Joseph’s when the University observes its 6th Annual Autism Awareness Day.

His talk, titled “Autism and the 90 Percent Factor:  Building Authentic Relationships,” will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Campion Student Center.  It is free and the public is welcome.

“Autism Awareness Day at Saint Joseph’s University is an annual commencement of sorts – we celebrate all of the progress in the autism field because of the dedicated families, teachers and therapists, we celebrate the endless accomplishments of children and adults with autism, and we prepare for a new year of making even more strides to help improve the lives of those with autism,” said Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., executive director of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph’s, which is sponsoring the event.

Stillman is the author of several books, including Empowered Autism Parenting: Celebrating (and Defending) Your Child’s Place in the World. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with autism, asserting that “autism should not be defined as an ‘affliction endured by sufferers,’ but as a truly unique and individual experience to be respected and appreciated by all…there are unlimited possibilities that await us for building authentic relationships.”

The mission of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph's University is to provide multi-disciplinary education and research opportunities for students, teachers, professionals, and parents who seek to improve and extend opportunities, outcomes, quality of life and best practices in treatment for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Kinney Center offers services, resources, and information; support and guidance; and tools for public and individual advocacy that contribute to improved autism awareness and care.

For more information, contact the Kinney Center at 610-660-2170, or visit the website, http://kinneyautism.sju.edu/