Moving Forwards Working Backwards: A strengths based approach to neurodivergence

Summary

This book is about understanding how much neurodivergence and masking has unconsciously shaped so many people without them realising. For generations we have not recognised that many people who are highly adapted to a neurotypical world haven't been acknowledged or supported, especially women and girls. It explores the experience of attention divergent and highly sensitive people (often referred to as ADD or ADHD), Autistic people (often referred to as ASD) and people who are both (Dualies), in a non- pathologizing way. It challenges the current use of pathologizing language and explores the intersection of all the other shaping influences on how we make sense of this identity, including trauma, family of origin and overlaps between different types of neurodivergence. It explores the likely evolutionary components of how humans have developed different kinds of brains and attributes and makes suggestions for developing a more inclusive and validating picture of neurodiversity in schools, the workplace, families and friendship groups. Helen draws on her own and her partner's experiences of being neurodivergent, as well as drawing from stories of her friends, family and clients to develop a greater understanding of why it is important to embrace this identity if it applies to you. Helen is a psychologist who has worked with people for forty years. She describes how important it is to realise how masking neurodivergence stops people from realising their full potential, and where embracing it helps personal growth and a positive identity.

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