Zero Person: Reframing Autistic Cognition Beyond the Self

By Elena Holzheu

In Zero Person, the author introduces a new perspective on autistic cognition that challenges traditional deficit-based models. Drawing from personal reflections, scientific theories, and the latest in cognitive neuroscience, this book presents the concept of zero-person cognition, a mode of thinking characterized by a direct, immediate engagement with the world, unmediated by the self-referential narrative typical of neurotypical minds. Zero Person invites readers to explore autistic perception not as a series of deficits but as a unique and equally valuable form of cognition. Bridging disciplines from psychology to philosophy and ethics, the author argues that zero-person cognition offers an inclusive framework that respects the strengths of autistic individuals. Through accessible explanations of computational models like predictive coding and the Free Energy Principle, the book provides a neutral, non-pathologizing lens that reframes how we understand sensory processing, attention to detail, and interaction with the environment in autism. The book is both a call to action for researchers to explore new empirical paths and a compassionate guide for families, educators, and autistic individuals seeking to understand and embrace cognitive diversity. By highlighting the lived experiences of autistic people and the potential ethical implications of this novel perspective, Zero Person seeks to inspire a shift in how society perceives and values neurodiverse ways of thinking. Speculative, insightful, and deeply human, Zero Person is an essential read for anyone interested in reimagining the future of autism research, advocacy, and understanding.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3759795412
• ISBN13: 9783759795410
• Release Date: November 2024
• Publisher: Bod - Books on Demand
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.8" x 8.3"