Resources for learning more about Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence, and Design
Compiled by Verona Carpenter Architects, neurodivergent advocates Rachel Updegrove and Ev Smith, and occupational therapist Cait Rosica.
Books:
NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman
This bestselling book upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently (penguinrandomhouse.com)
The Senses: Design Beyond Vision by Ellen Lupton and Andrea Lipps
A powerful reminder to anyone who thinks design is primarily a visual pursuit; explores how space, materials, sound, and light affect the mind and body. Learn how contemporary designers engage sensory experience. (bookshop.org)
Emphasizing the revolutionarily simple and positive notion that kids do well if they can and do not misbehave to manipulate
Look me in the Eye by John Elder Robison
Moving, darkly funny story of growing up with Asperger’s at a time when the diagnosis simply didn’t exist. A born storyteller, Robison takes you inside the head of a boy whom teachers and other adults regarded as “defective.” (goodreads.com)
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight, Camilla Pang struggled to understand the world around her. Desperate for a solution, she asked her mother if there was an instruction manual for humans that she could consult. With no blueprint to life, Pang began to create her own, using the language she understands best: science. An instruction manual for life, love, and relationships by a brilliant young scientist whose Asperger’s syndrome allows her–and us–to see ourselves in a different way…and to be better at being human. (penguinrandomhouse.com)
We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia
Garcia began writing about autism because he was frustrated by the media’s coverage of it: the myths that the disorder is caused by vaccines, the narrow portrayals of autistic people as white men working in Silicon Valley. His own life as an autistic person didn’t look anything like that. He is Latino, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, and works as a journalist covering politics in Washington, DC. Garcia realized he needed to put into writing what so many autistic people have been saying for years—autism is a part of their identity, they don’t need to be fixed. (harpercollins.com)
Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity: Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless "masked" Autistic people who pass as neurotypical. Masking is a common coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their identifiably Autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. This can include suppressing harmless stims, papering over communication challenges by presenting as unassuming and mild-mannered, and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety, all so they aren't seen as needy or "odd." (bookshop.org) In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in.
Multiple Multisensory Rooms: Myth Busting the Magic by Joanna Grace
Autistic author provides context on why this is a controversial topic in the autistic community, suggestions on how to do sensory rooms better. Multisensory rooms are widely used across the country in schools, care settings, hospitals and homes. Even settings such as football stadiums and airports are installing multisensory environments. Nevertheless, a significant lack of effective research has led to a sense of unease around sensory rooms. This crucial book explores the use of multisensory rooms in order to ease that anxiety; taking the mystery out of multisensory rooms, and supporting the reader to reflect and make the most out of their space. (routledge.com)
Workplace Neurodiversity Rising by Lyric Rivera
“Having a supportive environment can be the difference between employee success and failure. When we supoport the diverse minds within an organization, everyone on the team benefits (because much of what is necessary for NeuroDivergent success, will benefit everyone in a company). That's why I've written ths handy guide for you, to help empower other people and organizations to consider what they can do to support NeuroDivergent employees.” – Lyric Rivera
Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities by Nick Walker
The work of queer autistic scholar Nick Walker has played a key role in the evolving discourse on human neurodiversity.
Neuroqueer Heresies collects a decade's worth of Dr. Walker's most influential writings, along with new commentary by the author and new material on her radical conceptualization of Neuroqueer Theory. (goodreads.com)
Websites:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Verona Carpenter Architects Research
Articles about the autism spectrum according to autistic people
by Amythest Schaber
“Architecture for All” issue
Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
Autism Friendly University guide by Magda Mostafa