Testimonials
Brian’s professionalism and brilliance should be experienced by as many people as possible . . .
Brian is one of the most lucid and clear thinking minds in the world among autistic self advocates. He has a gift of making very difficult concepts succinct and extremely accessible. While many individuals on the autism spectrum have brilliant ideas but experience difficulty expressing those ideas succinctly and clearly, Brian can do this with ease. His professional credentials are impeccable as a distinguished clinician, consultant and sought after workshop presenter.
Brian has devoted his life towards the pursuit of helping to build a bridge of understanding between individuals on the autism spectrum and “neurotypicals.” I’ve seen him in action as peacemaker, consultant and have benefited from many of his ideas myself. To me it seems only fitting that a man of Brian’s professionalism and brilliance should be experienced by as many people as possible.
- Dr. Nick Dubin (Author, Presenter, Self-Advocate)
A year in one hour . . .
You’ll learn more from Brian in an “Hour” than you’ll learn from another therapist in a “Year”.
The Great Interpreter. . .
I call Brian the great interpreter. He helped me understand my son’s point of view and helped my son to understand mine. He has the ability to see both the Spectrum and Neurotypical perspectives. Most importantly, he helped us find a way to meet each other half way in order to stop fighting and begin working together.
The Best Person for Bridging the Asperger’s and Neurotypical Communities . . .
In the few years I have known Brian King he has demonstrated that he is capable of bridging the Asperger’s and Neurotypical communities. It is obvious from reading his writings and books as well as listening to him, that he is the best person to serve in this role. I first became acquainted when I interviewed him while writing my book, Autism Life Skills. He so impressed me with his supportive attitude and practical suggestions for creating a deeper understanding between both communities, that I do all I can to help him in his mission. I have invited him to speak on my radio show on Autism One Radio as well as to be a speaker in a webinar series I moderated for momsfightingautism.com. I find his books to be very helpful to those raising and assisting those who, as he puts it, are “blessed” with a diagnosis of autism.
Chantal Sicile-Kira
President, Autism Making A Difference, Inc
An Unmercifully Positive Force . . .
Brian is a gem. He is someone who though having endured many of the same challenges that so many of our members face . . . has emerged as an unmercifully positive force. He represents the possible, not the probable, and this can create miracles for anyone else on the spectrum that is fortunate enough to be exposed to Brian King. He is dedicated, passionate, knowledgeable, and yet he thirsts to become smarter and more effective. Others look upon him as a teacher yet Brian sees himself as a student.
- Michael John Carley (Executive Director of GRASP, Author, Presenter)
FINALLY, someone who understands . . .
Our oldest son (now 17) was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome only three years ago. When we got the diagnosis, I tried to learn as much as I could about Asperger’s but found it difficult to find a counselor that fully understood the issues we were facing or information that helped us to deal with him.
All of that changed when I learned about Brian King. I attended a seminar Brian King offered that presented many questions and issues on Asperger’s Syndrome. From the moment Brian started talking, I was captivated. I had tears in my eyes because all I could think was, “FINALLY, someone who understands. And, FINALLY someone who could explain our son and help us understand him”. The format of the seminar allowed parents and kids with Asperger’s to ask questions or make statements. It was probably the most valuable two hours of my life. It gave me answers and helped me to better deal with my son. That seminar changed my outlook for my son and gave me hope. The tools Brian provided in just two hours was enough to help us better work with our son who was having a very difficult time in school and at home. Since that time, our son has turned a corner and is functioning well in school and at home. We credit the knowledge we gained from Brian’s seminar for a big part of this change. I don’t think anyone could work better with autism issues than Brian. He has the knowledge, experience and personal understanding to change the world’s outlook on Autism.
Brian is truly MAGIC . . .
Brian King has two innate gifts that can and have changed the lives of many individuals with Asperger Syndrome and their families. First, Brian is very positive and proactive in his attitude toward life and in his interactions with others. For many who deal with Asperger Syndrome, depression becomes a tremendous obstacle. People like Brian can help those dealing with extremely stressful and challenging lives to see the good and the potential in life’s daily distresses. Second, Brian is truly MAGIC when he speaks publicly. He has the ability to express things in unique and very clear ways that let those of us who aren’t “Aspies” get a better glimpse into that way of life. The last time I heard him speak, the auditorium was too cold, too dark and it was just after lunch. People were dozing off and others were shivering until he took the stage. I was feeling both sleepy and cold. As soon as Brian began, the audience was alert and listening to everything he had to say. I have been helping people with Asperger Syndrome since 1982. After so many years in the field, I sometimes listen to presenters and truly think, “I’ve heard it all before.” With Brian, I take notes until I run out of paper or ink!”
- Susan J. Moreno, President of MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Helps clients, readers and audiences live, parent and teach to their fullest potential . . .
Brian has a unique ability to significantly effect social change in the world of autism, disabilities and diversity. As an adult with Asperger’s, a cancer survivor, and a parent of three children on the autism spectrum, Brian has experienced challenges more significant than many. However, what makes Brian unique are his public speaking and writing abilities and his optimistic, insightful and problem-solving approach to facing these challenges (and others). Brian leverages his experiences, speaking and writing talents, and his expertise as a licensed clinical social worker to help himself, his children, clients, readers and audiences live, parent and teach to their fullest potential.
Always leaves them wanting more . . .
Through his speaking engagements, Brian has helped thousands on a grand scale work through their challenges with autism. I’ve seen Brian speak to hundreds of parents, autism/educational professionals and adults on the spectrum about his insights and approaches to living with autism, and people always leave his presentations wanting even more time with Brian. He is able to articulate so vividly what it feels like to experience sensory and social challenges as someone on the spectrum, and provides strategies, frameworks and examples to help people move from where they are to where they want to go. As a board member of the Autism Society of Illinois (ASI) and the chair of the 2008 Annual ASI Conference, we invited Brian to be one of the keynote speakers of our state-wide conference. Of the six highly qualified presenters that day, Brian received the most favorable ratings from the audience, and people were lined up to speak to him afterwards and to purchase his books.
Brian also has a true gift with words and writing. His books have touched many and have been well received much beyond the autism community providing insights on how to deal with adversity. Brian’s electronic newsletters have also been extensively circulated globally offering inspiration to many.
Brian knows real social change requires working at many levels and with many systems and stakeholders. He values and leverages partnerships with individuals and organizations who can influence significant outcomes. Brian is determined to change the world to make it a more inclusive place for people with disabilities and differences, and he is well on his way to accomplishing his goals.
- Kristine R. Lonsway, Ph.D. (CEO and Founder of Lonsway Consulting, LLC)
He is awesome! . . .
Whenever I mention Brian King’s name, I hear the same response, “He is awesome!” My colleagues were amazed by his recent presentation. Brian spoke WITH us about the school, social and real-life concerns of students with Asperger’s. When I speak with others in our neighboring districts about Brian, their faces light up. It is agreed that Brian’s presentation is different than any other. His insight gained through experience far surpasses any research and facts presented by others!
- Beth Clemens (School Administrator)
Impressed me in a very positive way . . .
I have known Brian for only a few months due to his son being enrolled at Clare Woods Academy this school year. I must say within this relatively short period of time, Mr. King has impressed me in a very positive way as a parent, father, therapist, author, educator, lecturer, and supporter of our school.
Brian King is intelligent, insightful, socially interactive, extremely knowledgeable in his field, and totally dedicated to helping others understand Aspergers and the autism spectrum. He has not only been most informative, helpful, and supportive during regularly scheduled parent conferences, but also as a guest lecturer to our staff. Brian received rave reviews from the staff for his extraordinary insightful presentation explaining the world as experienced by an “aspie”. You see, Mr. Brian King has the “gift” of Aspergers and his presentation convinces others to see it that way as well.”
Michael Meis, Principal
Clare Woods Academy
Bartlett IL 60103
Your logo should be a photo of ripples in water . . .
I was so touched by all your information seeing you speak. I feel you have SO MUCH to offer the world. You are doing your best to get all this information out to people. Your logo should be a photo of ripples in water because seriously you have no idea how far and wide your messages are getting out there. We have people wanting to come from all over the state to hear you speak this Oct. YOU are making such a difference in so many lives. God bless all you do. ”
“Your the best Brian! Reading your words on paper just is not the same as seeing you in person. Most people are in “awe” of what you say and do to help others understand how we all are different. You are like a drop of water in a lake and the ripples are all of us learning from you and spreading your knowledge around the world. You are a great teacher! Keep up the fantastic work!
Asperger’s is no longer a “disease” in our minds . . .
Brian King is a Godsend. After spending 8 years with so-called professionals who only wanted to tell us how to “change” our son into what society wants him to be, we found Brian. No words really can describe the changes he has made for our family. Every session with Brian gives us more insight into how my son (diagnosed with Aspergers) thinks, processes and reacts. I thank my lucky stars the day I came across Brian’s name.
Thanks for all you have done for us . . .
When I first saw your presentation at The Illinois Autism Society in 2008 I remember thinking that this is my son in 20 years. You talked about not fitting in, always feeling different, how difficult it was for you to appropriately socialize with your peers, etc. I felt you were describing my then, 14 year old son who has Asperger’s and ADHD.
We began seeing you individually to work through anger issues related to puberty and my divorce. I felt that you were able to not only help me see my son’s perspective, but also him see mine. We have seen other therapists in the past, and my son could not connect with any of them. Once he began working with you, he felt understood. He began to understand his Asperger’s and how it affects him. We also learned strategies to help him work through tough times.
My son is now an honor roll student, active in Marching Band, theater and track. I feel that your special understanding helped him and I work together on developing skills he now uses on a daily basis to develop healthy relationships with his peers.
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