Story
These quotes are listed alphabetically by author and then date published. They are included here because, in my opinion, they can spark important reflection. Click on a quote image for further discussion.
Alex Gillespie Enrico Gnaulati Temple Grandin Stanley I. Greenspan Paul E. McGhee Barry M. Prizant
Stuart G. Shanker Steve Silberman
BARRY M. PRIZANT - Continued...
”Parents almost always know their children better than anyone else does. And based on innumerable shared experiences over so many years, every family develops its own language: its own familiar phrases, its own terms, its own shorthand. In other words, every family develops its own culture that allows for mutual communication, understanding, and support.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. pp. 45-46.
”My simple advice: Listen, observe, and ask "Why?"”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. p. 50.
”Many children find the predictability and consistency of animated characters (as well as the music) comforting, a welcome contrast to the unpredictable nature of real people in everday situations. In Monsters, Inc. or Madagascar, the characters' vocal, facial, and body language is exaggerated, making emotions easier to decipher for such children. People with autism also find the clear delineation of good and evil characters an appealing alternative to the more nuanced gray areas they encounter in real life. And repetitive viewings engender a reassuring sense of familiarity and mastery.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. pp. 50-51.
”Children with autism develop all kinds of enthusiams, talking nonstop about or focusing endlessly on subjects like skyscrapers, animal species, geopgraphy, particular kinds of music, sunrise and sunset times, or turnpike exits. Perhaps focusing on one topic gives the child a sense of control, of predictability and security in a world that can be unpredictable and feel scary.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. p. 54.
”But discouraging an enthusiasm can be just another way of dismantling a strategy that helps a child with autism feel better regulated--or worse, removing a source of interest and joy.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. p. 55.
”These deep interests can help children stay more engaged and attentive. They can be used to motivate learning and to enable participation in situations that might otherwise be difficult.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. p. 60.
”Many people with autism find it helpful to bring a toy or other item or an activity related to an enthusiasm to settings that may pose difficulties, such as restaurants, family events, or larger group activities at school. Almost any enthusiasm can help in this manner.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. p. 61.
”One significant reason many children focus on a particular topic is that it gives them a safe place to start a conversation. Even the most obscure, out-of-context, and seemingly irrelevant question ("What's your favorite dog breed?" "What kind of refrigerator do you have?") can be a strategy to connect.”
Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York. pp. 63-64.
