At least one in seven people are thought to be neurodivergent. So what exactly is neurodiversity? What does 'executive functioning' mean? What are 'spiky profiles'? In this simple guide, expert speaker and trainer Daniel Aherne provides a clear introduction to neurodiversity and the four most common neurodivergent identities of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Using an analogy of a cactus needing a desert to grow in, he emphasises the importance of getting the environment right for neurodivergent people, rather than expecting them to adapt to the neurotypical world. Daniel, who himself has ADHD, also explains how neurodivergent people often have great strengths alongside areas of difficulty, and writes about the interplay between diagnoses, as well as unpacking tricky concepts such as working memory, sensory processing, communication differences and more. Busting common misconceptions and setting out simple tips and guidance for supporting the neurodivergent people around you, whether among your family, friends or at your school, college or workplace - or if you yourself are ND and want to improve the understanding of others - this essential guide will help us all celebrate neurodiversity and foster more inclusive communities.

Neurodiversity: From Phenomenology to Neurobiology and Enhancing Technologies addresses the totality of neurodiversity through positive explorations of "invisible diversities"--from ADHD and savantism to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia. Edited by the director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, the book emphasizes strengths-based approaches to clinical practice and investigates interventions to improve the lives of neurodiverse individuals. Following a compelling foreword by Temple Grandin, the book proceeds to address neurodiversity in four parts: first, an introduction that presents neurodiversity's differences in brain function and behavior as part of the normal variation of the human population; second, presentation of the strengths-based model of neurodiversity (SBMN), including positive psychology, neurobiology, and SBMN in savantism, autism, ADHD, and dyslexia; third, a discussion of neurodiverse individuals in the real world, including higher education and employment; and finally, a review of technologies that enhance our abilities to maximize the potential of neurodiversity, including inclusive design and assessment tools that provide support for neurodiverse young adults seeking meaningful employment. Neurodiversity: From Phenomenology to Neurobiology and Enhancing Technologies provides clinicians, educators, and other professionals with cutting-edge, practical, and positive information to understand and assist their patients, students, and other neurodiverse individuals to operate from a position of strength.

“[N]uanced and uplifting.” —Buzzfeed “[V]ibrant and revealing. Ryan succeeds in capturing neurodiversity on the page.” —Publishers Weekly One of Bustle's Best Books of 2020! An unforgettable story of a fiercely original young woman, whose radical perspective illuminates a new way of being in the world As a full moon rises over Melbourne, Australia, a young woman gets ready for a party. And what appears to be an ordinary night out is—through the prism of her singular perspective—extraordinary. As the evening unfolds, each encounter she has reveals the vast discrepancies between what she is thinking and feeling, and what she is able to say. And there's so much she'd like to say. So when she meets a man and a genuine connection occurs, it's nothing short of a miracle. However, it isn't until she invites him home that we come to appreciate the humanity beneath the labels we cling to, and we can grasp the pleasure of what it means to be alive. The debut novel from the inimitable Madeleine Ryan, A Room Called Earth is a humorous and heartwarming adventure inside the mind of a bright and dynamic woman. This hyper-saturated celebration of love and acceptance, from a neurodiverse writer, is a testament to moving through life without fear, and to opening ourselves up to a new way of relating to one another.

"This book is going to change how we all view autism." Karla Fisher (Senior Program Manager/Engineering Manager at Intel, mentor for autistic youth) I Love Being My Own Autistic Self is a funny and upbeat book for autistic people, their families, and others who care about them. Author Landon Bryce uses a colorful cast of cartoon characters to gently introduce neurodiversity, the idea that neurological differences should be respected and valued. "This comic is BEAUTIFUL! I want to share it with everyone with any connection to autism. It's a great primer for novices, and an excellent reality check for almost everyone who thinks they understand autism." Noah Britton (public member of the the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, founding member of the comedy group Aspergers Are Us, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, Massachusetts) Vector, our narrator, talks about the benefits and challenges that his autism gives him. His friends Ramikin, who has Asperger's syndrome, and Marko, who is nonverbal, show how different from each other autistic people can be. Vector also introduces readers to his friend Pang and his sister Manta, so they can see what it is like for him to interact with people who do not have autism. Researcher Dr. Chip is looking for a cure for autism, and Vector explains why that makes him sad. "This could be a helpful book for children and adults with autism, as well as our parents. Landon Bryce has filtered the voices of thousands on his website through his brain and found a simple way in doing so. It is easy to read, using colors and characters. It does not come across as a children's book, yet I think some children might understand these important points better, and reading with their parents, they BOTH might begin to understand how we feel about each other in this bag of human skin." Adam Bailey (father and creator of the autism comic strip OWL) "I hope everyone in our Community reads this -- every staff person at Autism Speaks, every teacher, every family member. I see my son in some of these pages, and I hope he loves being his own autistic self, too. " Jennifer Sheridan, mom to Charlie (autism, age 8) "I Love Being My Own Autistic Self is an honest and hopeful appeal for autism acceptance and understanding. The concept of neurodiversity and differing points of view are distilled down and personified as individual characters. Even as it acknowledges autism is hard to understand, the book sets out to help the reader do just that, most effectively through memorable sound bites voiced or thought by the characters. This is an essential pocket guide for anyone who wishes to better understand autism and the issues autistic people face." Matt Friedman, author ofDude, I'm an Aspie.

"Parents, teachers, and policymakers should all read this thought-provoking book. I loved it."--Temple Grandin, author of "Thinking in Pictures "

Estimates suggest that up to 20% of employees, customers and clients might have a neurodivergent condition - such as dyslexia, autism, Asperger's, ADHD or dyspraxia - yet these individuals often struggle to gain and maintain employment, despite being very capable. This practical, authoritative business guide will help managers and employers support neurodiverse staff, and gives advice on how to ensure workplaces are neuro-friendly. The book demonstrates that neurodiversity is a natural aspect of human variation to be expected and accepted, rather than a deficit to be accommodated. Employer responsibilities are highlighted, including the 2010 Equality Act, and a range of strategies and policies are provided, including recruitment advice and the benefits of neurodiverse employees, along with advice on physical environments, interaction and communication, and working with clients and customers. This book is an ideal resource for all employers wanting to support and empower people with specific needs to help create a more inclusive workplace, benefiting both neurodiverse individuals and the companies employing them.

"Neurodiversity has helped me understand myself and provided a sense of relief that I'm a whole neurodivergent person functioning as my brain intends." "It's provided me with the language to advocate for myself." "I no longer hated myself. I no longer felt broken. I found a sense of community. A sense of belonging" This affirming and thoughtful guide outlines how and why we need to fundamentally shift our thinking about neurodivergent people. We need to accept differences rather than framing them as a problem, abnormality or disorder. Welcome to the neurodiversity paradigm. At times challenging and radical, Sonny Jane Wise explores the intersections of neurodivergence with disability, gender, sexuality and race. Through interviews, narratives, and the lens of their own raw experiences, they consider how current systems and structures that impact neurodivergent people are rooted in outdated capitalist and racist frameworks, and how these need to change and adapt to be neurodiversity affirming. Sonny Jane's words are a rallying cry to challenge the pathology paradigm. They offer nine principles for facilitating change, reflected in deeply personal stories from the neurodivergent community. Powerful and persuasive, this book is a clarion call for a kinder and more neurodiversity affirming society.