by Louise Gooding
Illustrated by Ruth Burrows
5 stars
A fantastic introduction to how the brain works and neurodiversity. Burrows works in modern understandings about different conditions, including how gender may affect getting a diagnosis.
The book covers some basics on how the brain works, dives into different neurodiverse experiences, gives a little history, and highlights a few individuals with wonderfully wired brains. The book covers in detail autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. There are also shorter sections on synesthesia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, language processing disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s and tics, seizures and epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Throughout, Gooding discusses common characteristics and possible ways to manage difficulties. In many sections, she also lists some of the common positive abilities associated such a strong emotional understanding in those with bipolar disorder, and creativity, visualization, and seeing patterns in those with dyslexia.
Fun illustrations that pair nicely with the text and make reading more engaging. Loved the bright colors and breakout sections. At times, the flow of the different sections was a little hard to follow, but overall the design worked well.
The book presents neurodiversity as a way of life, not necessarily as something negative. Gooding shows the positive traits as well as the difficulties. The book comes from a place of support and education, encouraging readers to talk to trusted adults if some of the traits and difficulties resonate with them.
At the back of the book is a glossary of terms not defined in the text and an index for easy reference.
A helpful introduction presented in an fun, engaging way.