Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded

A Different Way of Seeing Autism

De: Barry M. Prizant PhD, Tom Fields-Meyer - contributor

Narrado por: Barry M. Prizant

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

A groundbreaking book on autism, by one of the world’s leading experts, who portrays autism as a unique way of being human—this is “required reading.... Breathtakingly simple and profoundly positive” (Chicago Tribune).

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.

“A must-read for anyone touched by autism...Dr. Prizant’s Uniquely Human is a crucial step in promoting better understanding and a more humane approach.” (Associated Press)

Instead of classifying “autistic” 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, it’s better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports that will lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life.

“A remarkable approach to autism.... A truly impactful, necessary book” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Uniquely Human offers inspiration and practical advice drawn from Dr. Prizant’s four-decade career. It conveys a deep respect for people with autism and their own unique qualities. Filled with humanity and wisdom, Uniquely Human “should reassure parents and caregivers of kids with autism and any other disability that their kids are not broken, but, indeed, special” (Booklist, starred review).

©2015 Childhood Communication Services, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Must read about ASD

Best autism book. It is extremely insightful and helpful and talks about autistic people with deep respect and knowledge. This book should be a must read not only for families with autistic children, professionals who deal with autistic people but by everyone! It’s a shame it’s not translated into more languages.

Objective way of approaching the topic

I liked how the author does not make any statements based on his beliefs, but rather simply shares his own experiences.

Wonderful & informative

Dr. Barry’s book (and voice) envelopes you like a warm blanket! It is highly informative and full of anecdotes from his work with autistic children and their families. As a parent of an autistic child, I am grateful for experts like Dr. Barry. You will not regret adding this book to your library.

Profound

Highly recommend this book! Very compassionate and constructive perspective on how to better understand people with autism and help them thrive. So glad a resource like this is available.

Amazing and profound!!!

This left me with huge feelings of opportunity and provides tools that are useful with attainable outcomes!

So helpful!

I love this book so much! The outlook on autism is positive and hopeful. Tips on how to help my loved one and personal stories of others in the autism community made me feel connected and supported. The fact that the author also narrates is icing on the cake!

great Read

excellent introduction to the world of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. thank you for sharing.

Have you heard of “uniquely human”?

I am an itinerant SLP and I’m extremely glad this is available on audiobook. This has been such an eye opening , thought provoking compilation of the challenges and successes of autistic individuals and their communication partners. I’ve shared the book and snippets of it with every school and home I’ve visited in the past month.

Excellent insight

Anyone wanting to learn more about how to support an autistic person and their family should read this book. I will absolutely read this again.

Encouragement

Dr. Prizant gives a lot of helpful factual information and also validating affirmations for parents navigating a recent diagnosis in their child.