Winner of the Autism Society of Americaās Dr. Temple Grandin Award for the Outstanding Literary Work in Autism
A groundbreaking book on autism, by one of the worldās leading experts, who portrays autism as a unique way of being humanāthis is ārequired reading...Breathtakingly simple and profoundly positiveā (Chicago Tribune).
Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of āautisticā symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Now, this updated and expanded edition of Dr. Barry M. Prizantās Uniquely Human tackles new language such as shifting from āperson-first languageā to āidentity-first language,ā diversity of identity in the autism sphere, and the future of autistic advocacy by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
āA must-read for anyone touched by autismā¦Dr. Prizantās Uniquely Human is a crucial step in promoting better understanding and a more humane approachā (Associated Press). Instead of classifying āautisticā behaviors as signs of pathology, Dr. Prizant sees them as part of a range of strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. Rather than curb these behaviors, itās better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports that will lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life.
Uniquely Human is a ābrilliantā (Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes) approach to autism in the modern age that provides ācommon sense [and] practical adviceā (Temple Grandin, author of The Autistic Brain) drawn from Dr. Prizantās four-decade career. It conveys a deep respect for people with autism and their own unique qualities. Filled with humanity and wisdom, Uniquely Human āshould reassure parents and caregivers of kids with autism and any other disability that their kids are not broken, but, indeed, special (Booklist, starred review).