'Uniquely Human' author Barry Prizant to discuss myths of autism in MayoPAC webinar

Clinical scholar and researcher Barry Prizant will speak in a free Zoom webinar on Wednesday to share his thoughts and research on misconceptions about autism, in an appearance hosted by the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown.

The webinar, scheduled for April 26 at 7 p.m., is based on Prizant's bestselling book "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism," the center announced.

Who is Barry Prizant?

Prizant is an adjunct professor of communicative disorders at the University of Rhode Island and a certified speech-language pathologist, and has published five books and twice been a featured presenter at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism Awareness Month in April was highlighted in Little Falls during the annual raising of the autism flag in front of the municipal building on April 1.
Autism Awareness Month in April was highlighted in Little Falls during the annual raising of the autism flag in front of the municipal building on April 1.

“The webinar promises to be a paradigm-shifting presentation that challenges myths surrounding behaviors observed in autism, the inaccurate perception of autism as a tragedy, and the belief that autism is only experienced by the individual with the ASD diagnosis,” said the Mayo Center announcement.

'Uniquely Human' author

Prizant's recent bestselling book, “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism,” is now published in 24 languages, and he co-hosts and co-produces “Uniquely Human: The Podcast,” with Dave Finch, an autistic audio engineer and New York Times bestselling author.

Miracle Project

The program is being presented as part of MPAC’s Miracle Project, which has been helping children and young adults with autism and other special needs since 2017, the center said.  The Miracle Project is an offshoot of a project with the same name founded by Elaine Hall in Los Angeles. It uses music, acting, dance and storytelling to help people on the spectrum build communication and social skills.

To register ...

Registration is available through the mayoarts.org website.

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: myers@northjersey.com

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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Morristown Mayo PAC hosts webinar with autism author Barry Prizant