Chantal has been featured in articles and on television.  See all of her media appearances… ^[3]

About Chantal Sicile-Kira

^[4]Chantal’s  passion for empowering others, her love of writing, and her personal interest in autism has led her to become an award-winning author, speaker, and leader in the field of adolescence and transition to adulthood.   She has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for over 20 years as both a parent and a professional on both sides of the Atlantic.

Read Chantal’s Biography… ^[5] | Download Media Kit (pdf) ^[1]

Chantal’s Newest Book: A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence ^[6]

A Full Life with Autism,  is a guide for helping our children on the spectrum  lead meaningful and independent lives as they reach adulthood.In the next five years, hundreds of thousands of children with autism spectrum disorder will reach adulthood. And while diagnosis and treatment for children has improved in recent years, parents want to know: What happens to my child when I am no longer able to care for or assist him?

Autism expert Chantal Sicile-Kira and her son Jeremy offer real solutions to a host of difficult questions, for  young adults of different abilities and their parents, as well as educators.

“For readers already knowledgeable about autism and Asperger’s syndrome, a hands-on approach to transitioning into adulthood…The author breaks each large, seemingly overwhelming undertaking into small, doable tasks. Bulleted lists sum up each chapter and help readers remain focused and on-track. Equally as effective are the short essays and “top ten tips for parents,” written by Jeremy. His voice gives a personal, honest perspective on the daily life, expectations and hopes of someone with special needs who wants to become as integrated into adult society as possible. Additional resources include reading material and websites for care providers and people on the spectrum.  A proactive method for raising an adult child with special needs”. – Kirkus Reviews

“Chantal Sicile-Kira (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and her son Jeremy, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age, share their experiences navigating his options following high school graduation. Helping an adult child with autism lead a full and fulfilling life is no easy task and should begin years before the child reaches adulthood. Chantal and Jeremy’s thoughts on this issue are an excellent place to start. An introduction by Temple Grandin provides additional information on the special needs and considerations of adults with ASD. VERDICT : This book will be in high demand among the parents of children with ASD and young adults with ASD. Jeremy’s insights and Chantal’s candid advice will prove invaluable to parents, teachers, and other support personnel.”  – Library Journal Review

This book will greatly help parents prepare for what lies ahead and know what their sons and daughters need to learn. Jeremy and Chantal each write from their own perspective and share practical information about different areas of life that can be difficult to navigate, including housing, employment, college, as well as social relationships.
– Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Way I See It

This truly impressive book by Chantal Sicile-Kira and her son Jeremy, who is in his early 20s and autistic will serve as an invaluable resource not only for families who have a youngster or young adult with autism but also for the professionals who work with these families.  A Full Life with Autism vividly brings to life not only the challenges and stresses faced by young adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum but also steps that can be taken to assist these individuals to become more independent, successful, and resilient.
-Robert Brooks, Ph.D., Faculty, Harvard Medical School, co-author of Raising Resilient Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life.

If you are raising a teen with significant autistic challenges, you need to read A Full Life With Autism. If you have a young child who’s non verbal, you need to read A Full Life With Autism 

Chantal Sicile-Kira’s newest book is co-authored with her son Jeremy, who does not speak, but who writes eloquently and powerfully… 

Together, they walk the reader through the challenges of leaving home and establishing an independent life as an adult. The step by step manner in which they do this, and Jeremy’s calm and steady voice, will be very reassuring to readers. Topics discussed include making friends, romance, housing, college and finally, earning a living. I particularly like the way this book weaves both Chantal and Jeremy’s perspective into each story. In the latter part of the book, some chapters are also illustrated with stories from other families.

 This is a very practical guide that I highly recommend.
-John Elder Robison 
Author of Look Me in the Eye and Be Different

The transition into adult life is poorly understood and seldom researched in the field of autism. Jeremy and Chantal Sicile Kira have given us important lessons from their knowledge and experience. They write honestly and clearly and their book will be of great benefit to the thousands of other families who wish to support their loved one with dignity and respect.
- Anne M. Donnellan, Professor Emerita, U. of Wisconsin-Madison

To live a full life can have many different meanings for many different people, and yet, on a deeper level, when we hear the phrase “full life” we seem to become united by a common human objective we would not wish to deny ourselves or others. In this important book, Jeremy and Chantal Sicile Kira have captured the value of our shared humanity within our diversity. They do this gracefully, leading the way, as the next generation of young people with autism seek their paths.
-Valerie Paradiz, PhD, Director, Autistic Global Initiative, Autism Research Institute

A Full Life with Autism is a must-read book for parents and professionals in the autism field.
-Steve Edelson, Ph.D., Director, Autism Research Institute

Praise for Chantal’s Other Books

41 Things to Know About Autism ^[7] (re-released as What is Autism? Understanding Life with Autism or Asperger’s ^[8])

“A wonderful first introduction to autism for parents, teachers, relatives, and neighbors of a child on the autism spectrum.”

Temple Grandin, Author of Thinking in Pictures and The Way I See It

“Chantal Sicile-Kira has compiled 41 commonly heard questions and provided practical and useful responses. This book can serve as an incredible resource for family members, professionals and individuals on the spectrum attempting to better inform the public about various aspects of ASD. The book is comprehensive and incredibly readable. Chantal’s strength is in knowing the needs of the autism community and responding in a thoughtful manner.”

Dr. Cathy Pratt, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism

“Few in the community offer the practical advice across the expanse of autism with the same insight and wisdom Chantal does. In her crisp and authentic voice, Chantal provides a work that broadens the understanding and offers many answers to the most perplexing problems. Well done!”

Edmund C. Arranga, Co-founder & Executive Director, Autism One

“Chantal’s work cuts right to the heart of the matter. She approaches the subject by acknowledging it’s immensity and it’s baffling characteristics. Yet by sticking to a doctrine of clarity and pragmatism, she also enlightens.”

Douglas Kennedy, Author of The Moment, and Temptation

“After her son was diagnosed with autism, Chantal Sicile-Kira set out to learn what she could about the disorder, found in 1 in 100 children. Her research and experience led to 41 Things to Know About Autism, in which she shares insights and information about living with what’s often described as an invisible disability since it has no universal physical characteristics and can’t be seen on the face. In question-and answer form, Sicile-Kira’s book discusses common worries, tackles controversial treatments, celebrates successes and ends on a hopeful note for the future. Her son, for whom doctors had predicted institutionalization, heads off to college this year.”

San Diego Magazine

Autism Life Skills ^[9]

“Sicile-Kira has done a beautiful job of putting the voices of many people on the spectrum into one book.”

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., from the Foreword

“No parent-author of a significantly-affected child with autism has listened, and learned, from adults on the spectrum more than Chantal Sicile-Kira. In this, perhaps her most useful book, she shows us how these long-ignored experts have greatly enhanced her ability to help her son Jeremy achieve a happy and purpose-filled life. Brava, Chantal.”

Michael John Carley, Executive Director, GRASP The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, Inc. and author of Asperger’s From the Inside Out

“In a single publication, Chantal Sicile-Kira has sensitively combined personal interviews and the extensive literature highlighting personal perspectives into a thoughtful collection of comments that address topics ranging from sensory integration to employment. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who lives, works, or educates someone on the autism spectrum.”

Dr. Cathy Pratt, Chair, Board of Directors, Autism Society of America Director of Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum ^[10]

“Parents raising a teenager on the spectrum will find this clearly written and carefully documented guidebook to be full of important information and practical advice… This book will provide invaluable help and guidance to both parents and professionals. It is highly recommended.”

–Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Research Institute Founder of the Autism Society of America Editor of Autism Research Review International

“…Chantal deals frankly with adolescent issues that many people do not want to discuss such as sexuality…. Chantal’s book also contains a great section on sibling and family issues… This book provides a wealth of sources of information on just about everything a parent or teacher will need. It provides a balanced approach to different types of treatments…”

–Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of Thinking in Pictures

” With Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, Chantal has once again written a book that should be read by every parent of a child on the autism spectrum. Chantal provides useful, practical, and insightful guidance on topics ranging from transition to sexuality. These are tough topics and she handles them with tremendous wisdom, frankness and grace…”

–Dr. Cathy Pratt, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism Chair, National Autism Society of America (ASA)

Autism Spectrum Disorders ^[11]

“Chantal Sicile-Kira’s book is a clearly written, well-organized, carefully documented compilation of important information and useful advice. It will provide invaluable help and guidance to parents and professionals alike, especially those who are new to the world of autism. This book is not merely highly recommended – it is indispensable!”

–Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Director and Founder, Autism Research Institute, Co-founder of Autism Society of America

“What I really like about Chantal’s book are the many references to and quotes from people on the autism/Asperger spectrum. This information from personal experiences will give both parents and professionals much needed insight into how people on the spectrum perceive the world.”

–Temple Grandin Ph.D., author of Thinking in Pictures, Animals in Translation

“Parents will find this book a huge help. It answers many of the questions we get asked on the Autism Helpline and, because Chantal is a parent herself, parents will find her approach very helpful. She packs a huge amount of information into this book without overwhelming the reader with facts.”

–Sarah Benson, Autism Helpline, The National Autistic Society UK