Taking that step to educate yourself on what it means to step into the shoes of a neurodiverse individual can help you better understand how the culture that surrounds many of the conditions may be harmful for the neurodiverse community. Below, we have listed books and podcasts that range from showcasing the perspective of neurodiverse individuals in everyday life, the challenges the neurodivergent face when trying to receive a secondary education or when entering the workforce, and ways to break down such barriers to create a more inclusive society. Many of these resources can help the neurotypical gain some insight to garner an open mind and may reveal many tools to the neurodiverse community about how to overcome their tribulations.
Books:
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey: Bailey’s children’s book describes the academic life of Henry, a boy who is on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her own experiences with her son, Bailey writes about Henry’s experiences and interactions at school, including the good and the bad.
How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville: This is another children’s book, illustrated by Giselle Potter, that discusses autism. Guglielmo and Tourville’s writing revolves around the life of Temple Grandin, and how her experiences with animals and problem solving abilities led to her successes.
My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete: Based on Peete’s son, Charlie has a multitude of talents, ranging from swimming to caring for animals. Peete’s book details a boy’s life with autism. Told in the perspective of his sister, it illustrates the importance of empathy and acceptance.
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison: An autobiography of his own life, Robison’s book dives into Robison’s experiences growing up during an era when Asperger’s was not diagnosed. Robison explains how he had to adapt to move past the struggles he faced both in childhood and beyond. Beyond this, he expresses his personal life and obstacles, bringing readers along with his journey.
Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking by Julia Bascom: Spurred by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Loud Hands Project resulted in this book, which is actually a compilation of stories of those with autism. This book aims to delve into the various perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of individuals with autism to both foster empathy and draw connections.
Podcasts:
Neurodiversity Network: Created by Betina Wildhaber, the Neurodiversity Network speaks on various topics regarding neurodiversity opportunity and their quality of life. The main goal of the podcast is to provide resources for universities and employers to seek equal employment and educational opportunities for those in the neurodiverse community.
Noncompliant - The Podcast: Hosted by Anne, the cofounder and supporter of many autism advocacy organizations, Noncompliant - The Podcast focuses on the social implications of being neurodiverse, the history of the culture surrounding neurodiversity, and how to intervene to make change. Most of the episodes are also transcribed and easily accessible for those who prefer to read.
Different Brains: Different Brains is a podcast that promotes inclusion, acceptance, and awareness of neurodiversity. The podcast supports not just one neurodiverse form, but all of the forms across the spectrum and mobilizing diverse voices from individuals of different backgrounds.
We challenge you to move forward in being an advocate for the neurodiverse by hearing from the voices of those in their community. Learn more about their side of the narrative and equip the resources gained to help the neurodiverse break down barriers that surround them.
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