Donna Williams

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Australia

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female

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http://www.donnawilliams.net/

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Donna Williams is the author of Nobody Nowhere: The Extraordinary Autobiography of an Autistic, in which she tells of her lifelong battle with autism -- a developmental disorder originating in infancy and characterized by self-absorption, repetitive and rigidly structured behavior, language dysfunction, and an inability to interact socially. Williams depicts in her book a world of disembodied color, pattern, and sound. At times she would madly rub her eyes and withdraw into "bright spots of fluffy color," attempting to escape what she called the "intrusive gabble" of other people. Torn between a dread of physical contact and a desire for emotional connection, Williams would often beat herself then assume a fetal position. "Hurting herself,"...more Donna Williams is the author of Nobody Nowhere: The Extraordinary Autobiography of an Autistic, in which she tells of her lifelong battle with autism -- a developmental disorder originating in infancy and characterized by self-absorption, repetitive and rigidly structured behavior, language dysfunction, and an inability to interact socially. Williams depicts in her book a world of disembodied color, pattern, and sound. At times she would madly rub her eyes and withdraw into "bright spots of fluffy color," attempting to escape what she called the "intrusive gabble" of other people. Torn between a dread of physical contact and a desire for emotional connection, Williams would often beat herself then assume a fetal position. "Hurting herself," as New York Times Book Review contributor Daniel Goleman relates, "or doing shocking things ... were ways to reassure herself that she did indeed exist."

Goleman explains that books such as Williams's provide a valuable insight into an unfamiliar world, "revealing to outsiders that what may seem bizarre and unpredictable follows its own internal logic, however strange." Writing for the Los Angeles Times Book Review, Chris Goodrich found that Williams "proves herself to be rigorously analytical and remarkably free of self-pity, despite a life fraught with fear, pain, and misunderstanding." Nobody Nowhere was written by Williams in her efforts to better understand her world. Only upon the advice of two therapists familiar with autism did Williams decide to publish her writings. Goleman noted that the work provides "a fascinating testimony to an intelligence undimmed by mental turmoil," while Goodrich proclaimed that "Nobody Nowhere is as brave a book as you'll ever read."

Williams told CA: "Autism is not a 'mental disorder' anymore than it is a communication, social, perceptual, or neurological disorder. It is a pervasive development disorder (PDD) affecting many areas of development. It is not a mental illness, nor is it synonymous with mental retardation."

Source: Contemporary Authors Online, Gale, 2003.
Source Database: Contemporary Authors
PEN (Permanent Entry Number): 0000115308
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240 posts
Donna Williams's Blog

Donna Williams isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but she does have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from her feed.

Rosemary Crossley defends her methods – what the Herald Sun kept from the public

Hanging out with Anne Mc Donald

In defense of Crossley, McDonald & facilitated communication

Crossley, McKay and Biklen, from ABC Ramp Up 24 May 2012, reporter Stella Young.

Following Andrew Rule’s feature on the relationship between Rosemary Crossley and Anne McDonald in the Herald Sun in recent weeks, Crossley and her supporters want to set the record straight.

Editor’s note: Herald Sun jo...

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Published on May 25, 2012 02:43 • 1 view

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Books by Donna Williams

Average rating: 3.78 · 879 ratings · 102 reviews · 14 distinct works

	Nobody Nowhere: the Extraordinary Autobiography of an Autistic 3.76 avg rating — 626 ratings — published 1992 — 12 editions	My rating:
	Somebody Somewhere: Breaking Free from the World of Autism 3.81 avg rating — 176 ratings — 6 editions	My rating:
	Like Colour to the Blind: Soul Searching and Soul Finding 3.64 avg rating — 33 ratings — published 1996 — 4 editions	My rating:
	Autism: An Inside-Out Approach: An Innovative Look at the Mechanics ' of Autism ' and Its Developmental Cousins ' 3.91 avg rating — 11 ratings — published 1996 — 2 editions	My rating:
	Autism and Sensing: The Unlost Instinct 3.89 avg rating — 9 ratings — published 1998 — 2 editions	My rating:
	Exposure Anxiety - The Invisible Cage 4.67 avg rating — 6 ratings — published 2003 — 2 editions	My rating:
	Nobody Nowhere 5.00 avg rating — 3 ratings — published 1995	My rating:
	Nyanyian Surgawi: Akhir Perjalanan Sang Gadis Autistik 3.00 avg rating — 6 ratings — published 2004 — 3 editions	My rating:
	Not Just Anything 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings — 2 editions	My rating:
	The Jumbled Jigsaw: An Insider's Approach to the Treatment of Autistic Spectrum 'Fruit Salads' 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating — published 2005	My rating:

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Aussie Readers: Looking for recommendations? Post your questions here - We'd love to help!	159	189	Dec 05, 2011 08:05pm
The Next Best Boo...: The Last Letter Game	1922	1928	Apr 09, 2012 11:09am

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Donna Williams

Author profile

240 posts
Donna Williams's Blog

combine editions
Books by Donna Williams

Upcoming Events

Topics Mentioning This Author

Add NewVideos

Donna's Fans (6)

Donna Williams

Author profile

240 postsDonna Williams's Blog

combine editionsBooks by Donna Williams

Upcoming Events

Topics Mentioning This Author

Add New
Videos

240 posts
Donna Williams's Blog

combine editions
Books by Donna Williams