Scan barcode
A review by pileofmonsters
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
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 Also, it's a bit out of date, using old terminology and not including any of the recent research, which is a BIG gap.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 Also, it's a bit out of date, using old terminology and not including any of the recent research, which is a BIG gap.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.