It is the complexity and variance of connections that make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our futures.
Merlin Sheldrake
Websites
https://aucademy.co.uk/
Autistic learning and education about autistic experience. So much amazing information and content is shared - for free! Highly recommended their youTube channel as well.
https://www.autisticrealms.com/
Helen is a brilliant encyclopedia of knowledge and insight. She focuses and shares information on autistic burnout and monotropism, particularly linking to education.
https://autismunderstood.co.uk/
This is a fantastic hub of information put together by the great minds at Spectrum Gaming. Aimed at young people and teenagers, but a brilliant source of knowledge and experience from autistic people for everyone!
https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/
APUK offer support, insight, and education on everything to do with being an autistic parent. Do follow them on facebook as well for their amazing guest speaker webinars.
https://stimpunks.org/
Stimpunks is a tremendous site, full to the brim with resources, insights, blogs on all things neurodivergent. For me, it is one of the organisations really at the forefront of changing the narrative around neurodivergence and disability.
https://monotropism.org/
A deep dive and exploration into monotropism, double empathy and neurodiversity. All put together by the wonderful Fergus Murray, with support from Wenn Lawson and Panda Mery.
Blogs & Vlogs
Sonny Jane - Lived Experience Educator
https://www.livedexperienceeducator.com/writings
I really enjoy Sonny’s authentic writing and ideas. Challenging the neuronormative world and helping to guide and support readers to a neurodiversity affirming future.
Jade Farrington
https://theleap.co/creator/JadeFarrington/
Jade is a disabled, neurodivergent fellow therapist - I highly recommend! She also writes a fantastic neurodivergent newsletter every month, full of knowledge, full of all things ND related going on that month from webinars, presentations, books. A great resource to have.
David Gray-Hammond
https://emergentdivergence.com/
I have taken great inspiration by David’s words on neuroqueerness, autistic, and neurodivergent experience, neurodiversity and addiction, psychosis and the huge problems with the medical systems for neurodivergent folk. His experience going through the medical system and as a neurodivergent parent are so valued.
Jorn Bettin/ Neuroclastic
https://neuroclastic.com/author/jornbettin/
I adore the articles and research presented by Neuroclastic, but particularly that of Jorn Bettin. Not for the faint hearted, I’ll be honest his work has taken me a couple of reads to sink it but his perspectives on diversity I find incredibly thought-provoking and beautiful.
Sonny Hallett
https://medium.com/@sonyahallett
Sonny is a fellow humanistic counsellor and writes a beautiful authentic blog on their insights as a neurodivergent trans person and therapist. I also truly admire and share their pictures, thoughts, and creations on biodiversity and the comparison with all diversity!
Trauma Geek
https://www.traumageek.com/blog
Janae offers a plethora of thought and knowledge around neurodivergent trauma. Their study group into understanding polyvagal and other nervous system theories brings together a lot of the psychology and physiology of complex neurodivergent trauma.
Reads
Kieran Rose or Aucademy have fantastic lists of other books, podcast etc- https://theautisticadvocate.com/2020/03/recommended-autism-positive-books/
https://aucademy.co.uk/books/
These are just some of my go-to’s for anyone starting out in understanding neurodivergence.
Dr. Luke Beardon
Any of Dr. Beardons books on being autistic both for adults and children are recommended. He gives a great foundation in understanding and knowledge for anyone discovering.
Dr. Damian Milton
A Mismatch of Salience and The Neurodivergent Reader for a deep dive into research and knowledge of Neurodiversity and Double Empathy.
Robert Chapman
Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism. The complex shame that goes with being neurodivergent is rooted in society and capitalism. Neuro-normative ideals and systemic ableism and the effects on our neurodivergent society - mind and body. A superb read for anyone on their journey of discovery of what it means to be neurodivergent in a neuronormative society.
Dr. Nick Walker
Neuroqueer Heresies is a book I always recommend to anyone starting out in understanding neurodiversity. A great book on understanding terminology, the neurodiversity paradigm, neuroqueering, and a potential neurocosmopolitan future.
Pete Wharmby
Untypical is a easy to read insight into Pete’s world of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. Lots of nodding moments for late discovered adults.
Listens
Neurodivergent Moments
https://open.spotify.com/show/3ijDkYLjaICjiyuTj9ZwIF
A lighthearted chat with neurodivergent comedians, actors, and presenters hosted by Joe Wells and Abigoliah Schamaun. Focusing in on areas such as masking, small talk, relationships, interests.
Neurodiversity Natter
https://www.youtube.com/@Neurodiversity_Natter
Lots of my favourite and trusted advocates have been on this podcast. A great mix of neurodivergent professionals and advocates talking about their experiences, their monotropic focuses, and their work.
The Neurodiversity Podcast
https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/
A really interesting mix of guests and subjects, talks of latest research and thinking from various lived experiences and educators.
Noncompliant - The Podcast
https://noncompliantpodcast.com/
Heavier listen here, with lots of speakers on human and disability rights, researchers, and activists. Talks with the likes of Jorn Bettin and Damian Milton grabbed my attention, lots of other conversations with neurodivergent folk really at the forefront of creating a radically inclusive world.
Trusted Therapists & Advocates
Jill Holly
Sadly nearly always booked up, but worth contacting to check. Jill is a wonderfully honest and vibrant neurodivergent therapist, with a huge amount of knowledge, connections, and experience. Jill says it how it is and her rawness, yet care, certainly helped me and continues to do so through her blog.
Creative Neurodivergent
https://www.creativeneurodivergent.com/
Marie (Creative Neurodivergent) offers some fantastic services from education and setting up radically affirming spaces to training and also arts facilitation and advocacy support. A fantastic advocate especially around the complex world of SEND support such as EHCPs and also benefits support.
Jade Farrington
https://jadefarrington.com/about/
As well as her substack monthly newsletter and brilliantly informative posts on social media Jade is also a counsellor and rewind trauma therapist. Multiply neurodivergent and working with the divergent and LGBTQIA+ community, Jade is a highly knowledgeable and authentically neuroaffirming counsellor.
Jodie Clarke
I first came across Jodie’s work through Aucademy. I was at the beginning of my deep dive into all things neurodivergent and she supported me greatly through my own families challenges. Lots of great resources and offers families 1:1 sessions, consultancy, and training. Blog and research on masking and burnout are also available.
Rowena @ Fledge Psychotherapy
https://fledgepsychotherapy.co.uk/
Working with young people 12+, Rowena is a fantastic neuroaffirming therapist with an insightful and collaborative approach with families. Relational and explorative as well as being client led. A trusted therapist with great knowledge and insight.
Viv Dawes - Autistic Advocate
https://www.autisticadvocate.co.uk/
Viv specialises in Autistic Burnout and understanding the autistic nervous system. She is an advocate, trainer, and educator. Viv offers parental support groups, 1:1’s as well as consultancy and some great webinars are available. A real go-to if you or your loved one is experiencing burnout.