Chantal Sicile-Kira

Chantal Sicile-Kira'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 25 years as both a parent and a professional on both sides of the Atlantic. Chantal recently founded AutismCollege.com, which provides practical information and training to parents and educators. A former researcher on BBC documentaries and a line producer on a TV Series in Paris, Chantal is the author of five books on autism. She blogs on Huffingtonpost.com, and PsychologyToday.com. Jeremy, Chantal's son, was highlighted in the Newsweek cover story "Growing up with Autism" and featured in the MTV documentary True Life series, in "I Have Autism" which was the recipient of a 2008 Voice Award. Chantal's experience of raising her son in France, the UK and California was the subject of a 22 page article in the French professional journal on education and research for special education, La Nouvelle Revue de l'Adaptation et de la Scolarisation, June 2006, published by INS HEA. Book Awards Chantal's first book, Autism Spectrum Disorders, was the recipient of the 2005 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award, and was nominated for the 2005 PEN / Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction. The UK edition was the winner of the 2003 San Diego Book Award for 'Best in Health.' Her second book, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum was awarded the 2006 San Diego Book Award for "Best in Health/Fitness."