Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

Autism is a different way of being human. By understanding autistic behaviours as strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming, Barry Prizant seeks to enhance abilities, to teach new skills, help individuals build on their strengths and develop coping strategies to achieve a better quality of life.

Revised and updated with new material on identity and intersectionality and a chapter on autistic advocacy, Uniquely Human offers a compassionate and insightful perspective that could be life-changing. With a wealth of inspiring stories and practical advice from thousands of autistic people and their families this is a ground-breaking book by one of the world's leading experts - essential reading for anyone who cares for people on the autism spectrum.

This is essential reading for any parent, teacher or therapist of a person with autism. Written by an internationally acclaimed expert who views autism not as a disability but as a unique way of being human.

"An amazing book! It will change our perception and understanding of autism... I strongly recommend this book to parents and professionals."
- Dr Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome

"From the master clinician and scholar who taught us how to channel different learning styles into successful lives of learning and adaptation, Uniquely Human shines a light onto the vast possibilities of people with autism, showing that their lives represent opportunities, not disabilities; promise, not doom. Heed his detailed guidance because therein lies not only the secret for the fulfillment of every child’s promise, but also the fulfillment of the promise of our entire society."
- Ami Klin PhD, Director, Marcus Autism Center, Professor & Chief, Division of Autism and Related Disorders Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine

"Dr Prizant explains the causes of behaviors associated with autism. I love his approach for understanding problems with sensory overload, anxiety, and discomfort. He provides common sense practical advice based on a forty-year career"
- Temple Grandin, author of The Autistic Brain

"With every brilliant, illuminating example in his book, he steers us away from the traditional fix-it mentality and toward the beatific, personally rewarding detective work that the entire spectrum world would be well served to adopt ... The first-ever 'must-read' written for parents, educators, and clinicians."
- Michael John Carley, author

"Required reading...Breathtakingly simple and profoundly positive."
- Chicago Tribune

"Remarkable ... tells the story of autism in a deeply personal way that is at once inspirational and informative. The engaging, real-life examples interspersed throughout the book serve both to illuminate the experience of autism from the inside out."
- Diane Twachtman-Cullen