Book Review: Microaggressions and social work research, practice and education by Michael Spencer

sionals as well as those who require social care support. As such it is very informative and accessible with a straightforward and easy to read style. The chapters are clearly laid out and form a logical sequence. The first chapter sets the scene for the book’s relevance in social work, and I particularly like how the next chapter focuses on assessment, with safeguarding as the second last chapter; though important social work is more important than safeguarding. Good social work involves good assessments and identifying safeguarding and support needs are dependent on assessment. The final chapter is poignantly called” Behaviour which may challenge and autism”. As a teacher, social worker, and father I automatically question others who associate behaviour they find challenging with autism or denigrate one person’s activity as simply challenging behaviour without acknowledging any form of communication process. I really like the logical way in which Dunn takes the reader on a journey to understand how autistic people should be supported by social work and provides examples of support people may need. The chapters themselves are similarly well sequenced, beginning with an explanation and discussion of a topic, such as Social Care Assessment and Autism (chapter 2) and personcentred care planning and Autism (Chapter 4). This is then followed by examples of what practice should look like, supported with case studies and questions. The chapters develop, having introduced the topic, and provided examples, to recognise and identify areas requiring support or special attention such as sensory overload. The author clearly knows her subject, and it would be easy to rehash social work processes linked to autism, but Dunn does not do this, rather she contextualises social work, and social care, with autistic people. This is no mean feat, but what we have is a textbook which reflects the specific needs autistic people may have. It is worth remembering, or recognising, that autism is a wide spectrum which means autistic people are highly individual. Dunn does not lose sight of this individuality as well as the shared identity of being an autistic person. I have had to ask myself, would I buy this book, and my answer is yes. I think it is an important book, one which, though unique, helps promote better practice for a marginalised, and overlooked community. My other question is, why does social work overlook autistic people when it comes to practice. That, for me, is a far more difficult question to answer and one I feel this book helped to consider. Well done, Yo Dunn!