Discription

Autobiography on the Spectrum challenges prevailing notions about autism by offering a critically unconventional perspective—the viewpoint of adolescents who are themselves on the spectrum. Examining a year-long inquiry, Myers highlights the autobiographical works of the students through writing, photography, poetry, art, and more. She argues that autistic youth are not being accurately depicted in current research, not because they are unable to represent their own experiences but because their experiences are not always valued. In contrast, this book explores how autistic youth can (and do) represent themselves and shows educators how to create a space for the voices of these students. Offering a deep look into a world that is rarely seen, Autobiography on the Spectrum is a critical resource for teacher preparation and professional learning in any field that interacts with individuals with autism or other disabilities.

“A powerful counternarrative to deficit perspectives that characterize autism in terms of deficiency and disease.”
—Curt Dudley-Marling, professor emeritus, Boston College

“This books needs to be in the hands of teachers everywhere.”
—Douglas Biklen, dean emeritus, Syracuse University, School of Education and co-producer of Academy Award nominated documentary Autism is a World

“This important book illustrates many ways educators can expand how they listen to autistic children and adolescents.”
—Paula Kluth, consultant, author, and independent scholar