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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.