This book review dives into “A Field Guide To Earthlings,” a resource aimed at autistic individuals who find conventional self-help approaches, like “Unmasking Autism,” challenging due to their writing style and reliance on anecdotes. This guide offers a direct, theory-driven approach that resonates with those who prefer precise definitions and consistent frameworks. While the book’s structure and clarity are commendable, the lack of empirical evidence supporting its claims raises concerns.
The author’s main point isn’t to portray neurotypical (NT) people negatively, but rather to present a neutral view of their behaviors. Understanding these patterns can be incredibly helpful for autistic individuals navigating a neurotypical world.
Core Concepts Explained
The book centers around two key observations regarding NT and autistic behavior:
- Neurotypical Behavior: NT behavior is driven by “the pattern of achievement and failure” – a socially constructed competition for success measured by others. The author describes this as driven by a core belief of striving to be the best.
- Autistic Behavior: Autistic individuals possess brains that process stimuli directly, unfiltered by cultural meaning. This leads to a more immediate and less desensitized perception of the world. The book emphasizes the unfiltered nature of sensory input for autistic individuals.
These claims are presented neutrally, suggesting that striving for achievement or direct sensory processing are not inherently “good” or “bad,” but simply different ways of experiencing the world. This perspective can be incredibly valuable for autistic individuals seeking to understand NT behaviors without judgment.
Concerns and Shortcomings
Despite the book’s potential, some significant issues need addressing:
- Lack of Evidence: The book fails to provide sufficient evidence to support its claims. While the author’s personal experiences and conversations with NT individuals may align with the book’s assertions, they are insufficient to validate them.
- Potential for Misinterpretation: The book’s descriptions of NT behavior, though intended to be neutral, could be misconstrued as negative, particularly given the lack of substantiation.
- Unnecessary Content: The inclusion of topics like sex, consent, and rape feels out of place and potentially harmful without adequate evidence and careful consideration. The author’s observations on nuanced social interactions could be particularly confusing without the necessary evidence to back up the claims.
Practical Applications and Further Research
Despite its flaws, “A Field Guide to Earthlings” provides valuable insights that can help autistic individuals understand common NT behaviors, such as:
- The dynamics of workplace interactions, including providing constructive criticism.
- The purpose and function of small talk.
- The tendency for NT individuals to expect others to “read their minds.”
- The differing priorities and interests between autistic and NT individuals.
The reviewer plans to further investigate these claims, potentially using the book as a supplement to more evidence-based resources on autism.
A brain with gears turning inside, symbolizing the process of understanding and processing complex information about neurotypical behavior.
Conclusion
“A Field Guide to Earthlings” has the potential to be incredibly helpful for its intended audience of autistic individuals seeking to understand neurotypical behavior. However, the lack of supporting evidence and the potential for misinterpretation limit its overall value. Further research and critical evaluation are necessary to determine the validity of its claims.
TL;DR: For its intended audience, this book has the potential to be a 5-star resource, offering valuable insights into neurotypical behavior. However, due to the lack of evidence, a 3-star rating is more appropriate, especially for neurotypical individuals or those who prefer evidence-based approaches.
