Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal

By: Kyler Shumway, Daniel Wendler, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kyler Shumway, Daniel Wendler

Length: 2 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

We’ve all been told, at one point or another, to “just be yourself”. Whether you are starting school, beginning a new job, attending a party—any time you are trying to find your place in a new or unfamiliar environment—well-meaning advisors offer this nugget of wisdom. But what if being your authentic self means you don’t fit in with what society or your peers may consider “normal”? What is “normal”, anyway?

Join Dr. Kyler Shumway and Dr. Daniel Wendler to explore these questions and many others in Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal. In six lectures, Dr. Shumway and Dr. Wendler will help you understand the nature of neurodiversity, a growing school of thought that seeks to embrace the range of differences in individual brain function and behaviors rather than “correct” them, with a focus on empathy, acceptance, and accommodation. To help you better understand neurodiversity, your instructors will guide you through three core concepts:

• Neurodiversity is a natural part of human diversity.
• Environment affects our definitions of ability and disability.
• It is possible to create environments that allow everyone to thrive, regardless of differences.

Once you have a better idea of what neurodiversity is and why approaching it with empathy and understanding is so important, Dr. Shumway and Dr. Wendler will dive into the specifics of the most common neurotypes that fall into the category of neurodivergent—autism and ADHD—followed by a look at learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even psychosis. Along the way, your instructors will share what they’ve seen and learned as psychologists—and one of them will share his own experiences as a neurodivergent individual.

We often fear what we don’t understand. To combat this fear, the concept of neurodiversity can help us recognize the vast spectrum of human experience, embrace that people are people no matter how they are wired, and realize that there’s no such thing as “normal”.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

actually makes sense and is enlightening

the psychologist that did this, did an amazing job! learned new things and got to think about some things in different ways.

relevant stories

The offers were able to give great stories that were relevant to Neuro, typical VS neural diversity. What is truly typical? What is truly normal? Definitely made me rethink my outlook towards all people that I come in contact with!

The acceptance of others.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very insightful, and taught me a little bit about myself along the way.

everyone needs to listen to this

perfect for n. divergent and n. typical!! A beautiful well written way of teaching all about this. please do yourself and others a favor and give it a try!

Insightful

I found this insightful and easy to understand. Relatable, and I feel like the world would be a better place if everyone understood this stuff

That we have to work to accept the way that we are, and that we are a great diversity.

It helps you learn about our diversity. We have to learn from each other. There should be more books like this, because you learn a lot from it.

Simple, enlightening, and helpful

I am absolutely grateful that I stumbled across this book. It helped me understand myself and it helped me to understand my loved ones! Thank you❤️

Inspiring & thoughtful

This was well articulated, with good firsthand examples. I almost passed it by, but it was well worth my time.

Very relevant and insightful

I really enjoyed listening to this book, I identified with much of it and will be recommending it to the father of my children in hopes of making their lives a more welcoming, accepting and accommodating place.

A simple, understandable insight on neurodiversity

I greatly enjoyed the way the story was delivered. The combination of a scientific approach along with their own personal experiences makes the book easy for anyone to understand and implement it in their own lives.