What We’re Reading:
Celebrating Neurodivergence and Neurodiversity; books we’ve read and want to read as Neurodivergent therapists
Earlier this month, we shared a blog on neurodiversity, its importance in the therapy relationship, and what it means to be affirming. Briefly, neurodivergent simply means that a person’s brain works differently than what is considered “typical.” It is not a diagnosis, and it is a neutral term. Neurodiversity is a social justice framework for understanding how various human brains function. A neurodiversity framework believes that diversity in human cognition and processing is normal and challenges the medical model which views some divergences and disabilities as disorders.
What we are reading
As I shared in our first blog post about what we’re reading this month, I find reading an engaging way to learn… sharing book recommendations, suggestions, and other resources is a way to connect with each other and support our village and community.
As a neurodivergent therapist and therapy practice, here are some books to help support our neurodivergent clients and loved ones, honor the needs and interests of neurodivergence, and hold space for neurodiversity across the board. I will be sharing some books for a variety of ages and focuses, from children to adults with fiction with neurodivergent characters and representation to nonfiction memoirs and informational books to provide research, lived experiences, helpful tools, and more. This list includes books I have not yet read but that are part of the plan as I make my way through my TBR list.
Let us know what books have been helpful to you on your journey of self-discovery and understanding as a neurodivergent person, or helped you understand and support a family member or loved one. If you are looking for neruodivergent affirming therapy with someone who gets it, reach out to us today!
Disclaimer: We also want to emphasize the importance of nuance and taking what feels aligned and supportive when it comes to reading – sometimes a book may have large sections which resonate with us and others that do not feel aligned. We do not endorse the whole book for each and every book on this list and encourage you to process and share books with your community, yourself, or your therapist.
Children / Teens
Some Brains by Louise Gooding
Wonderfully Wired Brains by Nelly Thomas
Iveliz Explains It All by Arango, Andrea Beatriz
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Beaty, Andrea
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures : The Story of Dr. Temple Grandinby Mosca, Julia Finley
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Adult Fiction
Time Travel/Magical Realism: Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
Romance: Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
Romance: Two Wrongs Make a Wright by Chloe Liese
Historical Fiction: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Contemporary: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Adult Nonfiction
We are all Neurodiverse – by Sonny Jane Wise
The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills - by Sonny Jane Wise
Divergent Mind - by Jenara Nerenberg
Unmasking Autism - by Devon Price
We know there are so many different resources and tools it can be overwhelming, and not everything works for everyone's different needs, processing, preferences, etc. what tools and resources have worked for you? Are there books, podcast, audiobooks, content creators, articles, apps, movies, or other media or information you have found particularly meaningful or supportive? Please share with us in the comments. For other resources you can check out our resource list with things like apps etc:
List of Neurodivergent Friendly Apps
https://www.embracethemuchness.com/ndapps
Screen Time
Screen Zen
Focus Friend
For Kids
Joon - for kids with ADHD
Mental Health
Calm App
Emotional Awareness
Animi App
Podcasts
