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Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded: A Different Way of Seeing Autism Paperback – April 19, 2022
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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, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Now, this updated and expanded edition of Dr. Barry M. Prizant’s Uniquely Human tackles new language such as shifting from “person-first language” to “identity-first language,” diversity of identity in the autism sphere, and the future of autistic advocacy by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
“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.
Uniquely Human is a “brilliant” (Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes) approach to autism in the modern age that provides “common sense [and] practical advice” (Temple Grandin, author of The Autistic Brain) 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).
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 19, 2022
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.9 x 8.38 inches
- ISBN-101982193891
- ISBN-13978-1982193898
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Uniquely Human is not just the perfect title for Barry Prizant's book, it's also an appropriate summation of Dr. Prizant's career. Though a clinical scholar, he is a humanist first, and always has been—a professional who is fascinated by unexamined lives that could be lived happily, yet aren't. With every brilliant, illuminating example in his book, he steers us away from the traditional fix-it mentality and towards the beatific, personally rewarding detective work that the entire spectrum world would be well served to adopt. Thanks be to Barry for the first-ever ‘must read’ written for parents, educators, and clinicians." --Michael John Carley, Founder, GRASP; Author of Asperger's From the Inside-Out
"Refreshing--and constructive.... It should be required reading for all educators and practitioners working with autism....Breathtakingly simple and profoundly positive."--Chicago Tribune
"A remarkable approach to autism....A truly impactful, necessary book."--Kirkus *starred review*
About the Author
Tom Fields-Meyer is author of the critically acclaimed memoir Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from His Extraordinary Son, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. The coauthor (with Barry M. Prizant) of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, and former senior writer for People, he lives in Los Angeles, where he teaches in the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
Product details
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster; Expanded,Updated edition (April 19, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1982193891
- ISBN-13 : 978-1982193898
- Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.38 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #5,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the authors
Tom Fields-Meyer is author of the critically acclaimed memoir "Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from His Extraordinary Son," a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. The coauthor (with Barry M. Prizant) of "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism," and former senior writer for People, he lives in Los Angeles, where he teaches in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.
Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, (www.barryprizant.com) is among the world’s leading authorities on autism, and is recognized as an innovator of respectful, person- and family-centered approaches for individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. With close to fifty years of experience as a scholar, researcher, and international consultant, he is an adjunct professor of communication disorders at the University of Rhode Island, a certified speech-language pathologist and director of Childhood Communication Services, a private practice. Barry is coauthor of The SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive Educational Approach, now being implemented in more than a dozen countries. He has published four books, more than 130 articles and chapters and has received many awards, including the Honors of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (their highest recognition), the Princeton University Eden Foundation career award in autism and the "Divine Neurotypical Award" of GRASP, the world's largest autistic self-advocacy organization. He has been a two time featured presenter at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day. Barry lives in Cranston, Rhode Island, with his wife, Dr. Elaine Meyer, a clinical psychologist and nurse, and Associate Professor in the Harvard Medical School. Barry is a performing percussionist and has a specific interest in the impact of the arts on enhancing quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families. He sits on the boards of two inclusive theatre companies co-founded by and including autistic actors.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and insightful. They appreciate the author's perspective on autism and neurodiversity. The writing quality is praised as friendly, engaging, and expertly written. Readers praise the compassionate and humane approach of the author. The book provides valuable insights into different kids' behaviors and parents' interactions with them.
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Customers find the book insightful and helpful. They say it gives them expectations and makes them feel less alone. Many consider it a great piece of work and a must-read for anyone working with people who think in unique ways.
""Uniquely Human" by Barry Prizant is a groundbreaking book that redefines how we understand and interact with individuals on the autism spectrum...." Read more
"...With a blend of stories and concepts, the book never gets boring or drags, but rather keeps a comfortable pace...." Read more
"THis book is a must read for anyone working with people who think in unique ways -- it is a book to help celebrate neurodivergence...." Read more
"...Human; A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant is a remarkable, compassionate, and insightful book...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and informative about autism. They say it helps celebrate neurodiversity. The book answers many questions and provides practical advice, making complex concepts accessible. It offers a wide range of information and eases their minds as parents going forward with their son's condition.
"...filled with compelling stories and practical advice, making complex concepts accessible and relatable...." Read more
"...for many, I found "Uniquely Human" to be the perfect introduction to autism book in terms of hands-on application...." Read more
"...It’s an easy read and shares valuable perspectives on autism." Read more
"...with people who think in unique ways -- it is a book to help celebrate neurodivergence...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful and relatable. They say it helps them better understand their families and themselves. The case studies and practical suggestions are appreciated. Readers also mention that the book provides concrete strategies for parents, educators, and therapists to foster.
"...Prizant provides concrete strategies for parents, educators, and therapists to foster trust, communication, and emotional well-being. "..." Read more
"...With a blend of stories and concepts, the book never gets boring or drags, but rather keeps a comfortable pace...." Read more
"As a mom of a child on the spectrum, this book has been super helpful for me and to share with my family members...." Read more
"...It's compassionate, intelligently written, and inspiring. I have added it to my trainings. Thank you!!" Read more
Customers find the book's writing style engaging and easy to understand. They appreciate the positive, constructive tone and clear examples. The font and margins are good, making it accessible for everyone. Overall, customers describe the book as helpful and accessible for families, professionals, and autistic people themselves.
"...sorely needed in the world and Prizant writes in a way that is accessible by anyone and very easy to read...." Read more
"...It’s an easy read and shares valuable perspectives on autism." Read more
"...It's compassionate, intelligently written, and inspiring. I have added it to my trainings. Thank you!!" Read more
"...have led to explosive growth in my son's regulation, play skills, and language. "..." Read more
Customers find the book compassionate, intelligently written, and inspiring. They appreciate the author's humane approach that emphasizes the importance of seeing the world through others' eyes. The book will appeal to and educate both laypeople and educators in empathy and creating a bond of trust. Readers say the way the author approaches people warms their hearts and gives them hope for humanity. The discussion with kind and thoughtful strategies for living and working with individuals fosters respect and compassion from caregivers.
"...Prizant's approach is refreshingly humane, emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of those with autism...." Read more
"...autistic community, but I found it to be genuine and respectful of the dignity of everyone...." Read more
"...It's compassionate, intelligently written, and inspiring. I have added it to my trainings. Thank you!!" Read more
"...A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant is a remarkable, compassionate, and insightful book...." Read more
Customers find the book provides valuable insights into kids' and parents' experiences. It explains autism and typical behaviors that people on the spectrum use to cope with their world. The author views all behavior as human, and focuses on the why behind it. They appreciate the gentle, warm ways of responding to others and themselves. Overall, customers describe the book as a thorough look at special kids and their unique qualities.
"...His message is clear: behaviors are not random or senseless, but are meaningful responses to their environment...." Read more
"...people with autism feel calm, connected, and confident in their abilities to learn and progress...." Read more
"...He recently completed his second year, and he is developing nicely as a unique human...." Read more
"...Follows many examples of kids and how they and their parents navigated various scenarios...." Read more
Customers appreciate the positive way the author views autism. They find the book refreshing and eye-opening, encouraging them to look beyond behavior and consider the whole person. The author keeps the focus on strengths and a positive outlook.
"...Not only does the book provide an excellent perspective shift, it does so in a way that addresses how to tackle many of the struggles that caregivers..." Read more
"I really believe as a new parent to all this, a great early book. So eye opening as to the insights on where to go but also where you have been...." Read more
"...has impacted me positively and how it really helped me see things from a much needed perspective...." Read more
"This book opened my eyes much wider than they were. I highly recomend it." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's worth every penny and they will buy more copies to give as gifts.
"...Worth every penny and I will be buying more copies to give as gifts." Read more
"Very good read, and so worth it. I have a son on the spectrum and this come just brings you a little closer to autism." Read more
"...His thoughts on autism are sensible, reasonable, and reassuring." Read more
"Great book, good price, fast shipping." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024"Uniquely Human" by Barry Prizant is a groundbreaking book that redefines how we understand and interact with individuals on the autism spectrum. As a parent of a child with autism, I found this book to be incredibly enlightening and uplifting.
Prizant's approach is refreshingly humane, emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of those with autism. Instead of focusing on deficits and behaviors to be corrected, he encourages readers to appreciate the unique ways in which individuals with autism experience the world. His message is clear: behaviors are not random or senseless, but are meaningful responses to their environment.
The book is filled with compelling stories and practical advice, making complex concepts accessible and relatable. Prizant's decades of experience shine through in his compassionate, respectful, and optimistic perspective. He challenges many traditional methods of intervention, advocating for a more empathetic and understanding approach.
What sets this book apart is its focus on building positive relationships and creating supportive environments. Prizant provides concrete strategies for parents, educators, and therapists to foster trust, communication, and emotional well-being.
"Uniquely Human" is a must-read for anyone who knows or works with individuals on the autism spectrum. It not only changes how we view autism but also inspires us to become better, more compassionate human beings.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2017In a field where many of the books on autism are written by outsiders who perpetuate myths, stereotypes, and negative images of autism - or at best, that autistic individuals deserve respect despite their wildly different and often bizarre behavior - Dr. Prizant's take on autism as a unique way of being human is refreshing. Through explanation of concepts and theories, backed by real life examples throughout his extensive career, Prizant highlights the universally human underpinnings of behaviors in autistic individuals that many might not understand. An autistic person who repeats the same question over and over despite being answered the first time? How many neurotypical kids ask "are we there yet" ad nauseum on long car trips? An autistic person flicking their fingers repeatedly? How many neurotypical people twirl their hair to help focus or chew gum to calm their nerves?
The perspective shift in "Uniquely Human" is one sorely needed in the world and Prizant writes in a way that is accessible by anyone and very easy to read. With a blend of stories and concepts, the book never gets boring or drags, but rather keeps a comfortable pace. Anyone with a loved one with autism would benefit from reading this book as would every professional who does or might work with an autistic individual. After reading "Uniquely Human", I told a friend of mine who is a principal that *this* would be the book her teachers and staff should read for ongoing autism education. Not only does the book provide an excellent perspective shift, it does so in a way that addresses how to tackle many of the struggles that caregivers, educators, and others have in understanding and supporting autistic individuals. To be honest, I had avoided this book for several months because I thought the title would be an exercise in trite condescension of the autistic community, but I found it to be genuine and respectful of the dignity of everyone. For those who are somewhat familiar with the neurodiversity community, the one caveat you should know is that Prizant acknowledges that many adult autistics prefer an identity first language (autistic person) as opposed to a person first language (person with autism), but chooses to use a person first language without much explanation as to why. Aside from that, which I realize can be very significant for many, I found "Uniquely Human" to be the perfect introduction to autism book in terms of hands-on application. If you are looking for a good understanding of the historical development and story of autism as a diagnosis and the emergence of the neurodiversity movement, I highly recommend "NeuroTribes" by Steve Silberman.
If you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, teacher, administrator, etc., please read this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2024As a mom of a child on the spectrum, this book has been super helpful for me and to share with my family members. It’s an easy read and shares valuable perspectives on autism.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024THis book is a must read for anyone working with people who think in unique ways -- it is a book to help celebrate neurodivergence.
It's compassionate, intelligently written, and inspiring.
I have added it to my trainings. Thank you!!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020Uniquely Human; A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant is a remarkable, compassionate, and insightful book. Prizant offers a refreshingly different understanding of autism; one that doesn’t seek to pathologize but rather celebrate the differences we observe in individuals with autism. In doing so, Prizant offers us many new and alternative ways of supporting and educating individuals with autism. There has never been a more critical time for a book like Uniquely Human. By humanizing and not pathologizing people with autism, we are much better equipped to develop effective strategies to help people with autism feel calm, connected, and confident in their abilities to learn and progress. Prizant is a co-author of the SCERTS model which stands for Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support. This model is “an evidence-based, comprehensive intervention model for children and older individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families” (p. 243). I have found the SCERTS construct remarkably helpful in shaping the approaches I use to support all students with autism and their families too. I highly recommend Uniquely Human to all parents, educators, and clinicians.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023This is a beautiful book. I highly recommend it to parents, professionals, or anybody who wants a real account of autism and ways communication is so varied and wonderful
Top reviews from other countries
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Cliente AmazonReviewed in Brazil on June 1, 2022
2.0 out of 5 stars Serviço e conteúdo: nota 10! Qualidade do papel escolhido para a impressão: sofrível!
Serviço de entrega e o conteúdo do livro são excepcionais. A qualidade do papel escolhido é horrível (papel de gibi)! Você tem dificuldade de fazer anotações, com medo de rasgar as folhas. Uma obra desse naipe deveria ter tido um tratamento editorial diferenciado. Lastimável!
- LKReviewed in Germany on December 21, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish all would handle ASD cases as the writer
Very easy to read and gives lots of insights. Great approach!
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pamela torresReviewed in Mexico on August 10, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Increíble libro
Aún no termino de leerlo pero me esta fascinando. Lo recomiendo 100%
- nomad_pReviewed in Canada on December 5, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book for Autism!!
This is the secret recipe on why I love teaching, playing and goofing around with my students! Kids with special needs is honestly hard to dealt with if you don’t know their background. This book brought out the character in me to understand them, how to communicate and sympathize with their struggles. Barry Prizant’s experiences in his career helped me to understand my profession more.
- HanselReviewed in India on December 9, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read!!
This is a great read for Any parent or professional dealing with differently abled children adn adults. It makes for a beautiful read with insights into how understanding and embracing the child with his/her abilities and disabilities however small or big they may be. Would definitely recommend.