We're All Neurodiverse: How to Build a Neurodiversity-Affirming Future and Challenge Neuronormativity

Neurodiversity has helped me understand myself and provided a sense of relief that I'm a whole neurodivergent person functioning as my brain intends. This affirming and thoughtful guide outlines how and why we need to fundamentally shift our thinking about neurodivergent people. It offers nine principles for facilitating change, reflected in deeply personal stories from the neurodivergent community.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Neurodiversity has been a transformative experience for me, providing a deeper understanding of myself and a profound sense of relief that I am a whole neurodivergent person functioning as my brain intends. It has given me the language to advocate for myself, empowering me to break free from the self-hatred and feelings of being broken that I had previously experienced. Moreover, neurodiversity has brought me into a community of individuals who share my unique perspectives and experiences, offering a sense of belonging and connection that I had never known before.

In order to truly embrace neurodiversity, we need to shift our mindset and approach. Rather than viewing differences as a problem, abnormality, or disorder, we must accept them as a natural part of human variation. This paradigm shift is challenging and radical, but it is essential if we are to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In her book, "Welcome to the Neurodiversity Paradigm," 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own raw experiences, Wise considers how current systems and structures that impact neurodivergent people are rooted in outdated capitalist and racist frameworks. They argue that these systems need to change and adapt to be truly neurodiversity affirming.

One of the key messages of the book is that neurodiversity is not a disability or a problem to be fixed. Rather, it is a natural and valuable part of human variation. Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to the world, and their contributions should be celebrated and valued. Wise offers nine principles for facilitating change, reflecting in deeply personal stories from the neurodivergent community. These principles include recognizing neurodiversity as a spectrum, promoting self-determination and agency, creating inclusive environments, and challenging ableism and discrimination.

The book is powerful and persuasive, offering a clarion call for a kinder and more neurodiversity affirming society. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions and biases about neurodivergent people and to work towards creating a society that celebrates and supports their unique abilities. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all individuals, regardless of their neurodiversity.

In conclusion, neurodiversity has been a transformative experience for me, providing a deeper understanding of myself and a sense of relief that I am a whole neurodivergent person functioning as my brain intends. By embracing neurodiversity and shifting our mindset, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society that celebrates and supports the unique abilities of all individuals.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839975783