Praise for Hidden Brilliance

All too often people with ASD—and their families—are viewed through the lens of “deficits” and “red flags.” Without minimizing the challenges encountered in diverse developmental paths, these authors focus on the inherent strengths and unique positive learning styles seen in autistic children. Because of this, the book is an essential read for families, professionals and people with ASD.

— Stephen Camarata, PhD , Professor of Hearing and Speech Sciences and a Professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. 

“This book does an outstanding job of helping parents recognize the strengths of their children. Since the co-authors are a parent and a skilled therapist, this is a very practical book on how to recognize strengths and help a child with ASD develop social-communication skills and interest in a positive manner.”

— Edwin H Cook Jr MD, UIC Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago

“This autism-friendly book is a must-have for all parents of autistic children looking for effective ways to find and nurture their child’s unique strengths. The book’s many tips and first-hand accounts provide a positive and refreshing re-frame to fostering meaningful and happy lives.”

— Angela Scarpa, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Director of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research

“Recognizing the remarkable diversity in strengths and weaknesses that underlies human individuality, the authors provide a practical and inspirational guide for parents and caregivers raising children on the spectrum. I could not agree more with the premise. Rather than one-size-fits-all, Koegel and LaZebnik emphasize fostering a child’s interests and strengths. A must read for both families and professionals.”

— Daniel Geschwind M.D. Ph.D, Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor, Neurology Psychiatry and Human Genetics at UCLA, Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice Chancellor, Precision Health, Director, Institute of Precision Health

“One of the most intriguing aspects of work with children on the autism spectrum has been the awareness of areas of hidden strengths.  This marvelous volume explores these areas and give new  insight into how our views of ‘normal’ can bias  our appreciation of these strengths.   The authors explore the ways these strengths can be overlooked and underappreciated and how a new approach may reveal ways to use these hidden strengths to enhance the lives of persons on the autism spectrum.  Parents and teachers will be very interested in using this book to uncover areas of strengths in individuals with ASD.  Well written and understandable this volume will become must reading in the field.”

— Fred R Volkmar MD, Irving B. Harris Professor Of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology Yale University

“Were we to realize, finally, that a world replete of complex problems, to survive and thrive, required diverse minds, displaying the whole spectrum of humanity and possibility, this world of ours would be kinder, more brilliant, and more exuberant in innovation and advances. In this context, individuals with autism are uniquely human, with yes, many challenges, but also, yes, infinite blessings. Their unique perspectives and passions can enrich our world and make it a better place, if only we all could see and support them. Rarely have I seen a text that more strongly and decisively demolishes into smithereens the harmful and self-fulfilling societal belief that autism is a lifetime sentence of disability. Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebnik, in chapter after chapter, call us all to look into our wiser selves to co-create, with children and adults with autism, a world of inclusion and possibility that would remain more callous and more bounded without them. The authors’ message will soon become self-evident to all. But they made an enormous contribution to make this better future for all to arrive sooner. Let this hidden brilliance shine over us all, now. Let the walls of exclusion and ignorance be confined to the vaults of history where they belong. It all starts with this book you are holding in your hands.“

— Ami Klin, PhD. Director, Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar, The Bernie Marcus Distinguished Chair in Autism, Professor & Chief, Division of Autism and Related Disorders Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University

“In Hidden Brilliance, Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebnik provide families with a wide range of valuable strategies and supports that can be used to help autistic children nurture their talents, succeed academically, and improve their overall quality of life. Despite acknowledging a wide range of challenges associated with autism, Hidden Brilliance demonstrates that a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approach can have far-reaching benefits for autistic people of all ages and ability levels. Filled with practical guidance on topics as varied as cultivating your child’s friendships, planning for IEP meetings, and practicing self-care, this book is a crash course in parenting an autistic child that I highly recommend to new and veteran autism parents alike.”

— Zack Williams, Autistic Self-advocate and Autism Researcher

“Over the years, I have been humbled by the parents of individuals with autism with their wisdom and patience to optimize the functioning of their children. This book provides excellent guidance to parents in their journey of supporting their children and making sure they reach their full potential.”

— Antonio Hardan, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine

“Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel is known around the world for groundbreaking scientific advances in autism, and for her beautifully readable way of sharing those advances. In Hidden Brilliance, Dr. Koegel has done it again! She and science writer Claire LaZebnik make a compelling case for reinterpreting many of the behaviors of autistic individuals that are often seen as disruptive. On the contrary, Koegel and LaZebnik argue, those behaviors often reveal remarkable capabilities hidden beneath the surface. This book will be illuminating and inspiring to all who seek a deeper understanding of autism.”

— John R. Weisz, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Harvard University