Customer Reviews

Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dr Armstrong, writing with great empathy, discusses the neurodiverse in our society. Having had vast experience in the education of those amongst us that have to deal with learning difficulties due to various conditions, he has approached these disorders with hope, and most importantly,a way to help. Developing a "niche" for them is the underlying theme of this important and timely book. A must read for all parents, educators and psychologists that want to help those of us that need it the most. Sandra C Deeks RN

Dr Thomas Armstrong has revolutionized the way people will forever perceive neuropsychological disorders for adults and children in this extraordinary book. "Neurodiversity" is written with insight, compassion and knowledge through decades of experience in finding the gifts attributed to brain differences. Filled with scientific research and studies this book goes beyond the fact finding into the true core of neuropsychological disorders unlocking the door and giving the keys to the life without boundaries. The eight principles of neurodiversity based on a "Niche" construction leads to the path of creating lifestyles that will foster the gifts and assets of people with mental illness, leave behind the stigma and create a world of acceptance and the positive side of all humanity. Written with a realistic view of the suffering and pain brought by neuropsychological disorders, the author has tapped into the life changing effects of assistive technology, career paths and educational settings that will bring an awakening and hope to a new generation.

Ten years ago, when using Dr. Armstrong's 7 Kinds of Smart to teach my at-risk high school students, a truly extraordinary transformation occurred. Students, who had been mentally asleep, began to engage. They paid more and more attention in class as they learned about themselves and their newfound capabilities. It was revelatory. They no longer felt "stupid." They were finally being recognized. They could now take intellectual chances. They learned how to write clear and cogent essays by describing their "smarts." English became relevant.

7 Kinds of Smart became our textbook.

What Dr. Armstrong's work did for my at-risk teens, is, hopefully, taking place with Neurodiversity. Educators interacting with Special Ed children should be asking: "How do we guide these students to recognize their learning strengths?" Far too often these students are mentally drowning in labels and initials--where "lesser than" is a nightmarish mantra.

The importance of recognizing the talents of these children cannot be overestimated. If you have ever worked with a child who has academically given up, you know that there are very few things more dispiriting. Dr. Armstrong provides an antidote to this insanity through vital information, encouragement, and the techniques to recognize and celebrate these kids' talents. His Eight Principles of Neurodiversity should be a daily visual reminder to all who work in Special Education. I thought his insight on the importance of pattern recognition to be particularly salient. Seeing patterns makes life easier. And, those, who can assimilate information in such a fashion, make us all more aware.

And, I appreciate the examination of the Neurodiverse universe Dr. Armstrong presents where the challenges these kids face and present are not overlooked.

Colleges need to make this required reading for all future teachers. In an educational system gripped with rampant fear, where the joy of learning s may exist only as an afterthought, Dr Armstrong invites us onto an isle of wisdom.

I've been an educator for nearly five decades and have read a great many books about education, learning, and brain differences. This one is among the best. Armstrong writes that yes, ADHD, depression, and other neuropsychological conditions exist; yes, these conditions can be problematic; and yes, treatment may be called for. But the author argues that the brain differences that give rise to these conditions have been enduring evolutionary adaptations. He also convincingly shows that there are strengths in "disorders," saying, for example, that the vitality and so-called hyperfocus of ADHD are advantageous in some settings and vocations, and that the creativity of some bipolar people gives rise to productive endeavors. Armstrong writes much more about ADHD and bipolar disorder, and also about autism, dyslexia, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other brain differences. He discusses neurodiversity in general, varieties of intelligence, and learning.

I've been clinically depressed, and the chapter titled "The Gift of Mood" held a great deal of personal meaning for me. I now realize much more fully than before how much my career, marriage, and life situation changed, mostly for the better, after and as a consequence of my depression. I've also gained a new appreciation for the brief, milder depressive episodes I still experience.

This is a caring, sensible, well-informed, and wise book.

In this thoughtful and simply written book, Dr. Armstrong shares the very different stories of gifted and talented people who experience the world different from the "norm". The world places way too much emphasis on what people can't do, rather then how people's differences enrich our perceptions of the world and make it a better place. We found the book inspiring and uplifting. Stories and reflections are shared about ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and Aspergers, Depression, Anxiety, Williams Syndrome, and Down Syndrome.

We recently learned that the remarkably talented neurologist and author Oliver Sacks has faceblindness. What a loss for the world if people with different perceptions and perspectives were discouraged from sharing their wisdom.

Neurodiversity glorious battles against this trend and hopefully it's the beginning of a paradigm shift whereby more people recognize the gifts of different minds.

This fascinating, easy-to-read, and clinically-solid book is an absolute MUST-READ for any clinician, teacher or parent working with any neurodiverse child or adult -- those with mood, learning, attention, thought, cognitive or social 'disorders'. In this well-researched, thought-provoking tome, Dr. Armstrong discusses each of the neurodiverse conditions -- deftly combining the presenting challenges and inherent strengths, along with a clearly-written discussion of the brain chemistry at work, social, anthropological and historical implications, and a brief on what sort of occupations might be suited to each condition. The book is concluded with a call to action for change to public education in the US, based on the principal that no child is served by no child left behind, and that we as a culture (especially in the mental health and teaching professions) must move beyond the 'disability' model and move to one of strength and ability -- which will improve the lot for ALL society.

As a clinician working exclusively with neurodiverse teens and adults, as well as the parent of a neurodiverse teen myself, I am delighted to come across a book with the message that there is strength in all of us, if we only reframe how we view each individual. Every teacher and every mental health professional should read this book -- if you are a parent of a neurodiverse child, I strongly recommend buying this book, reading it, and then giving it to your child's teacher.

Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain DifferencesThis is a book that those who have 'special needs' and those who work or live with them will greatly welcome. No longer the emphasis is on special needs but special gifts. Thank goodness that at last someone it writing positively about the diverse gifts we ALL have. Everyone knows someone who is very like or a little like the people described in this book. You may be yourself. I can certainly relate to some of the descriptions. Every teacher and parent should buy this book. It may explain some of the eccentricities we all have and how to put them to good use. Let's face it, many discoveries were made by people 'not quite like us'! Thank goodness we are all different. Congratulations Professor Armstrong!

ADD? It might just have a flip side of a multitasking mindset that helped keep ancient hunter gatherers alive. Autism? A flip side of a narrow focus. Depression? The flip side of a drive to "cocoon" in order to reassess where one is at in life. Anxiety? The flip side might be motivation.

There's several good things to mention about Thomas Armstrong's book.

First, he doesn't deny that the neurological conditions he mentions have their down side, especially in the modern western world. As a sufferer of repeated bouts of fairly major depression, he knows that from experience. Second, while he notes possible positive flip sides, and notes they may have evolutionary roots, he doesn't try to push this book into Pop Evolutionary Psychology terrain. Third, Armstrong notes that it will take effort to realign our society to use these flip-side gifts today, but that it's worth the effort.

This a book of optimism, hope and love, yet thoroughly grounded in realism.

Dr. Thomas Armstrong,
Neurodiversity is a fresh, progressive, perspective of Autism and other brain and perceptual "disabilities" instead of the repetitive redundant illustrations of the abnormalities of the aberrant characteristics and behaviors of these people. Mr. Armstrong examines the unique gifts of these individuals. Society and all of the paternalistic institutions have demanded conformity at the expense of individuality. This has resulted in the powerlessness of individuals and consequently the decrease of creativity inventiveness and imagination creating authoritarian people and systems that reinforces domineering rigid structures, practices and prejudices. Society has valued and emphasized the importance of physical beauty, strengths and intelligence and has often disenfranchised those who lack physical strength, beauty or who have intellectual deficiencies.

As more people embrace Neurodiversity we will see significant reformation in the way we educate and raise children instead of concentration on the habilitation of people with disabilities. Dr. Armstrong will join other pioneers in rehabilitating special education and parenting children as well as how we perceive and interact with all human beings!

Moreover, Neurodiversity will lead those persons who are differently abled out of repression and bondage into true freedom and authentic empowerment.

Ken Routson, Author, Consultant, Life Coach.

This is such a wonderful and much needed resource in education! We have many children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, etc. and only look at these children as 'defective'. This book recognizes the gifts and challenges that exist in all of us and provides insight into the differences we have and how to take advantage of those differences in the classroom. When I read it, I couldn't help but think - it's about time!!!!!