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33 reviews for:
The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain
Thomas Armstrong
3.65 AVERAGE
33 reviews for:
The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain
Thomas Armstrong
3.65 AVERAGE
This book’s age is starting to show.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
used as the framing for my research into supporting self-identity of neurodiverse students
This was an interesting read!
Although there are some dated descriptions of Autism specifically in this book (it was copyrighted in 2010), I loved the general overview of the 7 most common neurodiversities.
This book also introduced the concept of niche construction, which essentially refers to tailoring your life to suit your own needs. What a concept (I mean this both earnestly and sarcastically)!
A decent read that adds some depth and perspective to the conversations about ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Intellectual disabilities/Down Syndrome, and Schizophrenia.
Although there are some dated descriptions of Autism specifically in this book (it was copyrighted in 2010), I loved the general overview of the 7 most common neurodiversities.
This book also introduced the concept of niche construction, which essentially refers to tailoring your life to suit your own needs. What a concept (I mean this both earnestly and sarcastically)!
A decent read that adds some depth and perspective to the conversations about ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Intellectual disabilities/Down Syndrome, and Schizophrenia.
At once too optimistic and also deeply necessary, this book reminded me of [b:Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking|8520610|Quiet The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking|Susan Cain|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328562861l/8520610._SY75_.jpg|13387396]. Armstrong takes us on a tour de force of the idea of neurodiversity, various conditions (such as ADHD, autism), and reasons why we should care more. The problem is that this book is so wide-ranging in its topics and research that it rarely feels grounded.
Armstrong skims over the 'costs' that neurodivergence can have to family and loved ones (I write this as someone who is neurodivergent) and runs the risk of alienating his readers by being too celebratory. I found this particularly jarring with his description of societal interventions, which all had a 'just-so' quality to them.
For example, I won't argue that surrounding neurotypical children with neurodivergent children will likely benefit everyone - but let's not pretend that doing so won't come with its own set of challenges. We've rarely scratched the surface of this stuff, and there's a long road ahead for all of us in society.
A second criticism is Armstrong's focus on stereotypes & generalities. For example, in the chapter on ADHD he discusses the 'hyperactive child' and schooling. These are all worthy points. However, if you're a manager dealing with an ADHD colleague who happens to be female - good luck recognising her from this text. The author is so focused on the stereotypes that even a neurodivergent reader might struggle to find themselves in some of these descriptions. Worse, not all of these stereotypes are beneficial.
This is a pity, because in order to do better, we need a bigger vocabulary with which to recognise neurodivergence in ourselves and others.
TL;DR: a book with great intentions, but one that doesn't quite deliver. Read it for the glossary, which has lots of useful links.
Armstrong skims over the 'costs' that neurodivergence can have to family and loved ones (I write this as someone who is neurodivergent) and runs the risk of alienating his readers by being too celebratory. I found this particularly jarring with his description of societal interventions, which all had a 'just-so' quality to them.
For example, I won't argue that surrounding neurotypical children with neurodivergent children will likely benefit everyone - but let's not pretend that doing so won't come with its own set of challenges. We've rarely scratched the surface of this stuff, and there's a long road ahead for all of us in society.
A second criticism is Armstrong's focus on stereotypes & generalities. For example, in the chapter on ADHD he discusses the 'hyperactive child' and schooling. These are all worthy points. However, if you're a manager dealing with an ADHD colleague who happens to be female - good luck recognising her from this text. The author is so focused on the stereotypes that even a neurodivergent reader might struggle to find themselves in some of these descriptions. Worse, not all of these stereotypes are beneficial.
This is a pity, because in order to do better, we need a bigger vocabulary with which to recognise neurodivergence in ourselves and others.
TL;DR: a book with great intentions, but one that doesn't quite deliver. Read it for the glossary, which has lots of useful links.
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
read poor reviews about the author's portrayal of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, would rather spend my time on something that is of higher quality
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced