What is Neurodiversity? (By Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, Contributor and Julia Frueh, MD, Guest Contributor – taken from Harvard Health Publishing website)

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning and behaving and differences are not viewed as deficits.

The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences. Through online platforms, more and more autistic people were able to connect and form a self-advocacy movement. At the same time, Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, coined the term neurodiversity to promote equality and inclusion of “neurological minorities.” While it is primarily a social justice movement, neurodiversity research and education is increasingly important in how clinicians view and address certain disabilities and neurological conditions.

Outside the Box Learning Resources embraces this movement and has collaborated with publishers from around the globe to bring educators and clinicians a library of contemporary resources to help them to promote neurodiversity. Some of these can be found on this page. You may also find OTB’s UDL page of interest.

Adopting a UDL Attitude within Academia

 35.50

– Understanding and Practicing Inclusion Across Higher Education

Adopting a UDL Attitude within Academia bridges the gap between the theory and practice of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). It guides the reader through the origins of the development of UDL as an innovative way of thinking about inclusion and the evolution of this theory into practice, as it explores UDL and its relevance beyond the classroom.

Autism: Respecting Difference

 11.95

– An Inside View of Autism for Carers, professionals and Families

Autism: Respecting Difference is a simple and concise introduction to how the world is experienced differently by autistic people and how to respond suitably and sensitively to individuals.

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Autistic Masking

 34.95

– Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma

This book aims to define the process of autistic masking and the underlying reasons for its existence. It will consider the social context, including an individual’s response to stigma or trauma, that facilitates impression management.

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Good Box, The

 24.50

– Beyond Sensory Turmoil and Pain in Autism

The Good Box: Beyond Sensory Turmoil and Pain in Autism is about understanding and helping those who struggle with sensory overload due to autism.

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Looking After Your Autistic Self

 19.95

A Personalised Self-Care Approach to Managing Your Sensory and Emotional Well-Being

Making Space for Autism

 58.95

– Strategies for Assessing and Modifying Environments to Meet the Needs of Autistic People

This environmental assessment and modification programme has an accessible, strengths-focused approach to supporting autistic people across different areas of their life. It reflects a paradigm shift from one where autism is treated as a deficit or impairment to one of strength, acceptance and autonomy.

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Neurodiversity Reader, The

 43.95

– Exploring Concepts, Lived Experience and Implications for Practice

The Neurodiversity Reader collection brings together work from pioneering figures within and beyond the neurodiversity movement to critically explore its associated concepts and how they might be translated into practice.

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Neurodiversity, Autism and Recovery from Sexual Violence

 46.95

– A Practical Resource for all those Working to Support Victim-survivors

Recovery and survival following sexual violence are unique to each individual and this invaluable book provides a resource for those supporting autistic and neurodivergent women to take steps towards regaining control of their life.

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Responsive Communication

 31.50

Combining attention to sensory issues with using body language (intensive interaction) to interact with autistic adults and children

Responsive Communication is a ground-breaking new book that has been put together by a team of authors led by Phoebe Caldwell who, during her long-time practice in this field, has found some unique paths to achieving deep and meaningful engagement with autistic people and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

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UDL Now!

 39.95

In the third edition of UDL Now!, Katie Novak provides practical insights and savvy strategies for helping all learners succeed in a post-pandemic world using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Understanding Me, Understanding You

 29.50

– A Guide for Supporting Autistic People, Easing Anxiety and Promoting Mutual Understanding

Understanding Me, Understanding You is a guide for professionals working with and supporting autistic people. It promotes acceptance of difference, the importance of mutual understanding, and encourages new ways of thinking about the way people interact.

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