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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
I listened to the audiobook version, and I typically don't enjoy listening to books as I comprehend so much better in written form, but I could get this one on audiobook on hoopla. I overall enjoyed it. Though I had a hard time following the trajectory of thought every once in a while, the author helpfully wove in personal narrative, interview, and definitions on different types of neurodiversity. I think the most helpful parts of this book were the portions on sensory difference in neurodivergents. Her explanation of HSP was quite insightful. Also, I found the last few chapters which were more practical in nature helpful.
informative
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
This is a book that could have had promise to ahead light on a neurodiverse woman in an environment where just their existence has been overlooked. But this book instead focuses on productive niches that some neurodiverse women have. Finding people in her same sociological and economic class in tech in academia Jenara weaves how nerurodiverse can be useful in the workforce and life in general. There is a look on unmasking, which is a privilege to those who can as it is not safe for everyone to unmask to their ideal selves (be they neurodiverse or not). There is no mention of how race can play a factor if intellectual visibility comes up, economic status (she says to think of your environment like where your home is located but some people can't willy-nilly choose an ideal environment for economic reasons)
I was interested in this text as someone who is neurodiverse, albeit a (trans) man so my experience socializing was very much in the girlhood realm) but this offers ideas if you can afford it not ideas for those on fixed incomes, racial differences, or jobs that do not accommodate sensory needs. In other words, a very niche neurodiverse of someone with lower support needs able to support themselves (and possibly a family) in suburban sprawl.
I was interested in this text as someone who is neurodiverse, albeit a (trans) man so my experience socializing was very much in the girlhood realm) but this offers ideas if you can afford it not ideas for those on fixed incomes, racial differences, or jobs that do not accommodate sensory needs. In other words, a very niche neurodiverse of someone with lower support needs able to support themselves (and possibly a family) in suburban sprawl.
informative
medium-paced
Lost steam. Might try again at a later fate, but its clicking as informative or in depth and meaningful as I hoped.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
The first two parts of the book were very educational about different types of neurodivergence and how white AFAB people experience the symptoms differently based on not just socialization, but also processing differences from what most white AMAB people experience. Covering all neurodivergencies (not just autism and ADHD), this book is for anyone seeking education. However, I'm also white, and probably raised in a similar environment as the author. Though she mentions differences in needs, race, status, etc., it's autobiographical as much as it's educational. That is to say: not highly researched scientific literature that provides perspectives from different backgrounds.
Keep in mind this is a general overview with summaries, it does not go into specific detail about anything. It will be useful for learning more about something where you have limited knowledge, not for diagnosing or defending a diagnosis. Also, it's a bit out of date, using old terminology and not including any of the recent research, which is a BIG gap. Always check the dates when reading books like this: if you want to know what's most recent, this book is not for you. If you aren't neurodivergent, however, it is a good supplement to other more recent research, if you want to learn more about it.
What I found most useful and helpful was Part 3, where the book dives more specifically into Well-Being, Home, and Work (literally the chapter titles), with practical tips for navigating your different environments. I'd like to see a full book about this that explores other environments, relationships, and connections, but these chapters gave me a good starting point. I'd never heard about sensory integration therapy and it's too bad the resources I've found are for children.
Keep in mind this is a general overview with summaries, it does not go into specific detail about anything. It will be useful for learning more about something where you have limited knowledge, not for diagnosing or defending a diagnosis. Also, it's a bit out of date, using old terminology and not including any of the recent research, which is a BIG gap. Always check the dates when reading books like this: if you want to know what's most recent, this book is not for you. If you aren't neurodivergent, however, it is a good supplement to other more recent research, if you want to learn more about it.
What I found most useful and helpful was Part 3, where the book dives more specifically into Well-Being, Home, and Work (literally the chapter titles), with practical tips for navigating your different environments. I'd like to see a full book about this that explores other environments, relationships, and connections, but these chapters gave me a good starting point. I'd never heard about sensory integration therapy and it's too bad the resources I've found are for children.
I was expecting a lot more from Divergent Mind. It’s very surface level in its exploration of the intersection of the female experience and neurodivergency. I also think the book was negatively impacted Nerenberg’s decision to take such a broad look at neurodivergency. She touches on things like ADHD, autism, synesthesia, and dyslexia; but none are really covered in enough detail to be useful. I think Divergent Mind could potentially help women who are just beginning their journey of discovery who also fit a very narrow description of neurodivergency. Divergent Mind does not consider how socioeconomic status, support needs, race, etc. impacts the female, neurodivergent experience. It’s almost as if the author cannot see beyond her own, limited experience. She gives a lot of generic suggestions that makes it seem like its very easy to adapt your life to accommodate your needs. Sadly, there are better books out there and I would not widely recommend this.
informative
inspiring