Neurotopia : How to Be an Ally to Neurodivergent People and Create a Better World for Everyone

At least one fifth of the people we know are neurodivergent. They are the ones who think, feel, and sense the world differently. They may have a formal diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Or they may have a unique brain, whether from birth or experience, that means they process information differently from the majority of people around them. If you''ve ever felt frustrated, upset, put off, or misunderstood by a neurodivergent person in your life-and also want to be a better partner, parent, friend, or manager to them-this book is for you. In Neurotopia, therapist Ryan Anderson points out that most neurodivergent people spend their lives accommodating the neurotypicals around them, masking and practicing skills to blend in and avoid causing discomfort or inconvenience, but they are still subject to much higher rates of unemployment, social rejection and bullying, mental health disorders, violence, and suicide. Anderson saw the need for a skills guide for neurotypicals who are ready to take on their share of the work to build stronger relationships and create a safer, more just world. Whether your challenge is communication with your partner, writing work emails, a kid who is changing schools, or a friend who''s hard to make plans with, or you''re a clinician who works with neurodivergent clients, you''ll find wise, practicable guidance and perspectives here.