A Different Way Of Seeing Autism

I recently finished reading Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant.

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

  Rating: 4.25/5 stars

"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.

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."

This book is valuable in that it advocates kindness and understanding rather than trying to get the autistic child to behave "normally." And that's mostly what it does, with many examples. The examples are good, and illustrate some of the cruelties that autistic children experience. They come from the author's 40-year career in working with autistic kids. 

The book does lack some things. It is mostly about young people and doesn't have a lot of information about autistic adults. I think it's important that caregivers are exposed to more voices from the viewpoint of autistic people, including adults who can say more about their childhood experiences. The examples are mostly middle- and upper-class families in which the parents have the resources to advocate for their kids and be heard. And the author's long career means that he's experienced a lot of incorrect theories and treatments. He doesn't give much history, which is fine with me, but he doesn't even mention Bettleheim, and mentions Lovaas once, almost favorably. 

I hope that the book has resulted in some amelioration. It should be required reading for caregivers, teachers, school administrators, case workers, and other people who work with these kids. And parents.

Again, kindness. Working on understanding. Not judging. Not having the goal of making a child have only the desired behaviors, which often results in taking away necessary coping skills. Recognizing the child's strengths.

Check out Uniquely Human, and understand that we are all uniquely human.

Happy Reading :)