Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

Winner of the Autism Society of America’s Dr. Temple Grandin Award for the Outstanding Literary Work in Autism!

Uniquely Human is a groundbreaking book on autism by one of the world’s leading experts, who portrays autism not as a tragic disability but as a unique way of being human.

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

by Barry M. Prizant

Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, problems in communicating, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns.

Now Dr. Barry M. Prizant offers a new and compelling paradigm: the most successful approaches to autism don’t aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms, but rather seeking to understand the individual’s experience and what underlies the behavior.

Autism is usually portrayed as a checklist of deficits, including difficulties interacting socially, problems in communicating, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. This perspective leads to therapies focused on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms. Now Dr. Barry M. Prizant, an internationally renowned autism expert, offers a new and compelling paradigm: the most successful approaches to autism don’t aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms but by seeking to understand the individual’s experience and what underlies the behavior.

In Uniquely Human, Dr. Prizant suggests a major shift in understanding autism: instead of classifying “autistic” behaviors as signs of pathology, he sees them as part of a range of strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. Rather than curb these behaviors, it’s better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports that will naturally lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life. In fact, argues Dr. Prizant, attempts to eliminate “autistic” behaviors may actually interfere with important developmental processes.

While it never discounts the difficulties of living with autism, Uniquely Human offers inspiring stories and practical advice drawn from Dr. Prizant’s four-decade career working in universities, schools, hospitals, and private practice. It conveys a deep respect for people with autism and the qualities that make them special. Filled with humanity and wisdom, Uniquely Human offers a compassionate and insightful perspective that parents, professionals, and family members will find uplifting and hopeful.

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