FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 65 TIFFANI JASEPH K–5 special education teacher and 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year H E R T A K E I chose “Uniquely Human” because of the profound and positive impact it had on me. It opened my eyes to the reality that autistic individuals carry their experiences — and the ways we respond to them — with them for years. It reminded me that our words, our patience and our understanding truly matter. One of the book’s most powerful takeaways is the idea that behavior is communication. It does an exceptional job of illustrating that concept, helping readers look beyond the surface and seek understanding rather than simply reacting. Ultimately, “Uniquely Human” reframes autism — not as a deficit to be fixed, but as a unique way of being human. It challenges us to see autistic behaviors not as problems, but as meaningful strategies for navigating an often overwhelming world. RECOMMENDS by Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., with Tom Fields-Meyer “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” BOOKMARKED