Uniquely Human: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Uniquely Human containing key details about Uniquely Human.
What is Uniquely Human About?
"Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism" is a book by Barry M. Prizant, PhD, a leading expert in the field of autism, and Tom Fields-Meyer, a journalist and writer. In this book, Prizant argues that autism is not a disorder, but rather a unique and valuable way of being, and that we need to understand and appreciate the strengths and differences of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism is a different way of being human. Uniquely Human 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. By understanding autistic behaviours as strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Uniquely Human
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* A Different Way of Being: Prizant argues that individuals on the autism spectrum are not broken, but rather have a different way of processing information and interacting with the world. He argues that we need to recognize and celebrate the strengths and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum.
* The Importance of Relationships: Prizant argues that relationships and social interaction are critical for individuals on the autism spectrum and that we need to support their ability to build meaningful connections with others.
* Understanding Communication: Prizant argues that communication is a complex and nuanced process that is often misunderstood in the context of autism. He argues that we need to better understand the unique communication styles of individuals on the autism spectrum and support their ability to express themselves effectively.
* The Power of Positive Support: Prizant argues that positive support, understanding, and appreciation are key to helping individuals on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. He argues that we need to shift our focus from trying to "fix" individuals on the autism spectrum to instead embracing their unique strengths and abilities.
* Overcoming Barriers: Prizant argues that individuals on the autism spectrum often face significant barriers, including stigma, prejudice, and lack of support, and that it is critical that we work to remove these barriers and create a more inclusive and accepting society.
* Overall, "Uniquely Human" is a powerful and inspiring book that offers a fresh and positive perspective on autism. The book provides insights and practical advice for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and argues for a more inclusive and understanding society that values and appreciates the unique strengths and abilities of all individuals.
Who is the author of Uniquely Human?
Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, is among the world's leading authorities on autism, with more than fifty years of experience as a scholar, researcher, and international consultant. He is an adjunct professor at Brown University and coauthor of The SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive Educational Approach, now being implemented in more than a dozen countries.
Tom Fields-Meyer is the author of Following Ezra, an account of what he has learned from his autistic son. He teaches at the Extension Writers' Program of UCLA.
Uniquely Human Summary Notes
Summary Note: Understanding Autism: How to Help by Understanding Behavior
Autism is a neurological condition that affects how people perceive and interact with the world. One of the most challenging aspects of autism is emotional dysregulation, which is a difficulty regulating emotions that can cause extreme reactions to environmental changes and overstimulation. When someone on the autism spectrum experiences emotional dysregulation, it's crucial to understand and address the underlying cause rather than trying to control their behavior.
People with autism require routines to provide a sense of reliability and control in their lives, and sudden changes or uncertainties can trigger emotional dysregulation. Therefore, it's important to maintain a controlled environment and to avoid changing routines without warning. When an autistic person reacts unexpectedly, such as by clapping their hands repeatedly, it's not an intentional act of disobedience but rather an attempt to calm themselves down.
To help someone with autism, we need to understand their behavior and focus on addressing the underlying cause of emotional dysregulation rather than trying to "fix" or control their behavior. With understanding and support, we can create an environment that helps autistic people thrive and achieve their full potential.
Summary Note: Understanding and Supporting Autism by Listening to Autistic People
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and interaction skills. Autistic individuals often exhibit unusual behaviors, such as repetitive movements, sensitivity to sensory input, and difficulty regulating emotions. Instead of trying to control or “fix” these behaviors, we can help autistic individuals by understanding their unique needs and supporting their communication.
One key aspect of supporting autistic individuals is to listen to them. Autistic individuals often struggle to communicate verbally, but their behavior can provide valuable information about their needs and emotions. For example, echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases, can be a way for autistic individuals to communicate anxiety or fear. By understanding these cues, we can help support their emotional needs and create a more comfortable environment for them.
Another important aspect of supporting autistic individuals is to provide them with a sense of predictability and control. Autistic individuals often rely on routines and predictability to feel safe and comfortable. By creating schedules or visual aids to help them anticipate changes in their environment, we can help reduce their anxiety and make them feel more in control.
Ultimately, the key to supporting autistic individuals is to approach them with empathy and understanding. Autistic individuals are unique individuals with their own strengths and challenges, and we must listen to them and support them in ways that are tailored to their individual needs. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences.
Summary Note: Direct Communication is Key for Supporting Those with Autism
One of the main themes in the book is that people on the autism spectrum often struggle with understanding subtle social cues, making direct and precise communication essential. Without direct communication, people with autism can misunderstand social situations, leading to confusion, frustration, and even dangerous situations. People with autism can have difficulty understanding idioms, irony, and other non-obvious communication, so it's important to use clear and direct language when speaking with them. This can include listing out specific instructions, avoiding sarcasm, and being explicit about expectations. By focusing on direct communication, it becomes easier to support those on the autism spectrum, whether it's in a school setting or in everyday life. The book highlights the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of people with autism and being willing to adapt communication styles to support their needs.
Summary Note: Helping People with Autism by Limiting Unpredictability
One of the main themes in the book is how unpredictability can be a source of anxiety and frustration for people with autism, and how it is important to support them by limiting unpredictability and putting them in control. Autistic individuals often struggle to trust the world when things don't go as expected, leading to feelings of deep betrayal. This is why predictability and understanding the behavior of others and their environment is so comforting to them.
To help people with autism, it is essential to establish trust and provide them with ways to collaborate and feel in control. Autistic individuals may attempt to control conversations or the way people behave in order to manage their fears, so it is important to avoid forcing them into compliance. Instead, trust and collaboration can be used to help them overcome their fears.
For example, The book tells the story of Jose, a second-grader who felt overwhelmed when planning his birthday party and only wanted to invite the boys in his class. Rather than pushing him to include girls, his family and teachers used gamification to help him categorize others in his mind and feel more comfortable with variety. This was a logical and predictable way for him to stay in control.
Summary Note: Harnessing Enthusiasm: The Power of Special Interests for Individuals with Autism
One of the defining characteristics of autism is the presence of intense interests or obsessions in certain topics or areas. While these special interests may seem odd or random to others, they can have incredible benefits for individuals with autism. By providing a source of comfort, regulation, and focus, special interests can be harnessed to support development and growth.
For example, a teacher struggling to engage an autistic student in traditional schoolwork can tap into the student's special interest to create a personalized project. By using license plates, a student named Eddie was able to work on his own project, practicing communication and social skills along the way.
Similarly, Stanford's fascination with trains ultimately led him to a job with the Chicago Regional Transit Authority, where he excelled and was even nominated for Employee of the Year.
By building on these areas of enthusiasm, individuals with autism can develop new skills and expand their interests, while feeling comfortable and supported. And by recognizing the value of these special interests, society can create more opportunities for autistic individuals to thrive and contribute in meaningful ways.
Summary Note: The Importance of Intuitive Connection in Supporting Autistic People
The book highlights the significance of intuitive connection in helping autistic people. While some individuals may have multiple advanced degrees, it doesn't necessarily mean they're the best equipped to assist autistic people. In contrast, some people have a natural talent for connecting with autistic people, which can achieve much better results than highly qualified professionals.
One example is Paul, a classroom aide who cared for a 16-year-old girl named Denise. Despite not having much training on how to support autistic people, Paul was a natural at connecting with Denise. He could pick up on the subtle signals she sent and could keep her calm even from afar through a mere nod of the head or a few words. When asked about the key to his success, he replied, "I'm just paying attention."
These intuitive individuals who "get it" have certain traits in common. Firstly, they're strongly empathetic and work to understand how the autistic person views the world. They seek to comprehend their behavior without judgment and are focused on human behavior. Secondly, they're sensitive and can readily pick up on the little signs and subtleties that autistic people use to communicate dysregulation.
Thirdly, they split control, fostering an environment where they're available for assistance while offering a certain amount of independence. Finally, they all have a sense of humor, maintaining their good humor and a positive outlook even during negative experiences.
Book details
- Print length: 256 pages
- Genre: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Psychology
What are the chapters in Uniquely Human?
Chapter 1. Listen
Chapter 2. Enthusiasms
Chapter 3. Trust, fear, and control
Chapter 4. Emotional memory
Chapter 5. Social understanding
Chapter 6. Part two: Living with autism. What it takes to "get it"
Chapter 7. Wisdom from the circle
Chapter 8. The real experts
Chapter 9. The long view
Chapter 10. Energize the spirit
Chapter 11. The big questions
Chapter 12. A guide to resources
Chapter 13. About the SCERTS model
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Refreshing—and constructive.... It should be required reading for all educators and practitioners working with autism....Breathtakingly simple and profoundly positive." — Chicago Tribune
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you want to enhance your personal growth, I recommend checking out my list of favorite personal growth books. These books have played a significant role in my life, and each one includes a summary and takeaways to help you apply the concepts.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
