The Power of Neurodiversity

Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain

By: Thomas Armstrong PhD

Narrated by: Mike Lenz

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Develop a new understanding of neurodivergence with this thoughtful exploration of the human mind from a bestselling author and psychologist.

From ADHD and dyslexia to autism, the number of diagnosis categories listed by the American Psychiatric Association has tripled in the last fifty years. With so many people affected, it is time to revisit our perceptions of people with disabilities.

Bestselling author, psychologist, and educator Thomas Armstrong illuminates a new understanding of neuropsychological disorders. He argues that if they are a part of the natural diversity of the human brain, they cannot simply be defined as illnesses. Armstrong explores the evolutionary advantages, special skills, and other positive dimensions of these conditions.

A manifesto as well as a keenly intelligent look at "disability," The Power of Neurodiversity is a must for parents, teachers, and anyone who is looking to learn more about neurodivergence.

©2011 Thomas Armstrong, PhD (P)2021 Hachette Books

Critic reviews

“Parents of children who have been diagnosed as belonging to one of these groups and adults who have been living with any of these labels will find positive affirmation and encouraging advice on how to see their brain’s wiring as an asset rather than a liability.” (New York Journal of Books)

Amazing Information.

This book informed me of the vast information that I was missing in my life. This will help me in my new direction in life knowing this information

interesting, insightful, slightly boring

interesting and true view, it is anomalities, not diseases. i find it slightly boring though, maybe because of the segmented chapter structure. good insights, could be worth to read.

A Step in the Right Direction

As an adult with a recent diagnosis, I faced a turmoil of different emotions and thoughts throughout therapy.

I eventually decided if I was to take a step in the right direction, the first would be to understand the umbrella of neurodiversity, which is why I got this book. Not only has it helped me understand things like ASD so much better, but it has helped me realize the importance and needed guidance in defeating stigma against labels such as the like.

This book didn't help me just understand the various labels of neurodivergency, but it helped me accept myself and people I saw with similar labels. In that very aspect, it makes a wonderful educational and self help book to those who may feel lost, or even in denial of their feelings or diagnosis.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone diagnosed, questioning, or more especially to people who know of others who are neurodiverse.

Excellent and Hopeful..

..discourse on brain diversity and its bearing on human civilization's past and present to affect our future.

Makes sense

I really learned a lot. Best book I’ve read on the subject. Being neurodiverse myself, it helped me understand how I fit into this crazy world.

The Positive Side of Neurodiversity

I appreciate this book a great deal as I am neurodivergent, and I know we have so many positive attributes. I can't give the book 5 stars in all fields, However. This book rehashes the stereotype that those on the Autism spectrum don't have much empathy. This is not true, or perhaps I should say, it is not true for all of us. i actually have so much empathy that it's one of the many reasons I prefer my own company, the company of animals, or the company of those who understand me. In talking to others I know on the spectrum, I know I am not alone. That being said, this book makes many valid points. In some respects, I'm glad I was not diagnosed as a child. The education of neurodivergent children and adults, as well as neurotypical children, needs to take into account where thier strengths lie, and not try to cram everyone into the same mold. The narrator is wonderful, by the way!

Excellent book-really makes you think

This is an excellent read. As a clinical psychologist who does assessments I really appreciate this perspective as I have tried to incorporate this into my evaluations for years but often times am met with resistance from IEP teams, medical professionals, or even other psychologists. This book and others like it have been needed for a long time. Dr. Armstrong includes the Deaf as an afterthought in his musings. I work within the Deaf community. It’s more complicated than he suggests. But overall his book is very good. Highly recommend as food for thought. Mr. Lenz is an excellent narrator (that has a big impact).

A decent primer

Provided a smattering of useful talking points and ideas but is somewhat dated in nomenclature and frameworks at times.

Needs a lesson on neurodiversity affirming language

The overall message was well intentioned, but very inappropriate throughout. For example, uses language such as “normal people” to refer to allistic or non-autistic persons. Recommend reading other books written by neurodivergent voices themselves.