A groundbreaking exploration of the ways in which the intelligence and abilities of children and young adults with autism are often overlooked and misjudged, with tried-and-true interventions that can be used to help them reach their full potential.
Our limited and often biased view of whatâs considered ânormalâ often prevents us from recognizing the gifts and brilliance of those who donât fit a specific mold. Too often we donât explore and take advantage of the far-reaching gifts and potential of those diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum or neurodiverse. Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel has had vast experience researching Autism Spectrum DisordersâASDâand working with autistic people of all ages. She has repeatedly witnessed firsthand evidence of great intelligence that hasnât yet been nurtured or realized.
In Hidden Brilliance, Dr. Koegel and writer Claire LaZebnik explore the ways in which the brilliance and talents of children and young adults diagnosed with ASD are commonly overlooked or misjudged, even by trained professionals. This book isnât about changing people, but about bringing out their best, by focusing on and nurturing their strengths. The authors examine the forces at playâincluding outdated attitudes, a lack of sufficient training, and an overreliance on standardized testing--that complicate and confuse the effort to see the remarkable capabilities of these kids. The authors argue that behaviors often described as disruptive or interfering are actually brilliant attempts at communication and point the reader toward interventions that can encourage people to effectively communicate their needs and thoughts. Hidden Brilliance helps us see how and why parentsâwho often feel alone in their ability to see past their childrenâs struggles to the incredible capabilities underneath âare often dismissed or ignored.
Now in paperback, Hidden Brilliance explains ways to identify your childâs strengths and abilities and then use them as a tool for social communication, improved learning, and overall growth. While no one can predict a childâs future, a positive and supportive attitude combined with the right goals and interventions that consider the childâs strengths can lead to extraordinary growth and connection. Warm and hopeful, Hidden Brilliance opens the door to a new way of looking at people diagnosed with ASDâthose who deserve to have their brilliance shine brightly for all to see.