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

A new term has emerged from the disability movement in the past decade to help change the way we think about neurological disorders: Neurodiversity. ADHD. Dyslexia. Autism. The number of categories of illnesses listed by the American Psychiatric Association has tripled in the past fifty years. With so many people affected by our growing -- culture of disabilities, -- it no longer makes sense to hold on to the deficit-ridden idea of neuropsychological illness. With the sensibility of Oliver Sacks and Kay Redfield Jamison, psychologist Thomas Armstrong offers a revolutionary perspective that reframes many neuropsychological disorders as part of the natural diversity of the human brain rather than as definitive illnesses. Neurodiversity emphasizes their positive dimensions, showing how people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions have inherent evolutionary advantages that, matched with the appropriate environment or ecological niche, can help them achieve dignity and wholeness in their lives. 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--Publisher's description In The Gift Of Neurodiversity, Armstrong Argues That We Have Been Too Quick To Pathologise Brain Differences. Indeed, In Recent Years, We Have Re-classified These Differences, Labeling Many Of Them Disorders. What Science Actually Suggests Is That There Are Many Different Ways For Our Brains To Be Wired, And That There Are Actual Gifts Or Strengths Attached To Some Of These Differences. Neurodiversity : A Concept Whose Time Has Come -- The Joy Of The Hyperactive Brain -- The Positive Side Of Being Autistic -- A Different Kind Of Learner -- The Gift Of Mood -- The Advantages Of Anxiety -- The Rainbow Of Intelligences -- Thinking In A Different Key -- Neurodiversity In The Classroom -- The Future Of Neurodiversity. Thomas Armstrong. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 221-256) And Index.