Redefining Neurodiversity

Redefining Neurodiversity is a transformative exploration of neurodiversity, redefining how we perceive and engage with cognitive differences. By blending scientific research with personal narratives, this book highlights the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals - challenging outdated deficit-based models and advocating for inclusive, strength-based approaches. This book brings together voices from a diverse range of neurodivergent individuals, researchers, clinicians, and educators to redefine neurodiversity beyond traditional medical models. It examines neurodevelopmental conditions, acquired neurological differences, and the intersection of mental health and cognitive diversity. Through compelling personal stories, Redefining Neurodiversity highlights the real-world challenges and triumphs of neurodivergent individuals, illustrating how systemic barriers in education, employment, and healthcare can be dismantled. The book provides practical recommendations for fostering inclusive environments where neurodivergent people are not merely accommodated but truly valued. It is a call to shift perspectives - from remediation to empowerment and from exclusion to belonging. The book also has been written in support of The Barbara Wilson Centre CIC, a new organisation that provides services to support people who have neurodiverse needs. This book is an essential read for academics, clinicians, educators, policymakers, industry professionals and anyone seeking to better understand neurodivergence. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, work alongside neurodivergent individuals, or wish to build a more inclusive society, Redefining Neurodiversity offers insights that are both intellectually rigorous and deeply human.

Sara Simblett is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in Neuropsychology, passionate about supporting people with cognitive and emotional differences to live well, drawing on human-rights principles and empowerment-based approaches. She is the CEO of The London Neurocognitive Clinic and The Barbara Wilson Centre CIC, and an academic at King's College London. Ashley Polhemus is a trained biomedical engineer, epidemiologist, and product development professional, with a research background that spans both academia and industry. She is passionate about exploring lived experiences of health, especially as it relates to the creation of new healthcare tools, platforms, and frameworks. Faith Matcham is a Health Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology, based at the University of Sussex, Brighton. She specialises in the interface between mental and physical health, and the use of digital technologies to support the management of long-term conditions. Rebekah Jamieson-Craig is a Clinical Psychologist who has an interest in neurological conditions, broader health conditions and how these impact on the individual,psychologically, emotionally and cognitively. She is committed to helping those who see their health as a barrier overcome this in order to live purposeful lives.

Foreword by Professor Barbara Wilson. Preface by Dr Faith Matcham. Chapter 1: Redefining neurodiversity. Chapter 2: Andrew's lived experience. Chapter 3: Kanan Tekchandani's lived experience. Chapter 4: Janice's lived experience. Chapter 5: Sam Shephard's lived experience. Chapter 6: Katy's lived experience. Chapter 7: Patrick Litani's lived experience. Chapter 8: Sara(h)'s lived experience. Chapter 9: Becki's lived experience. Chapter 10: Andrew Jenkins' lived experience. Chapter 11: D's lived experience. Chapter 12: Patrick's lived experience. Chapter 13: Joe Kelly's lived experience. Chapter 14: Lisa Beaumont's lived experience. Chapter 15: Ashley's lived experience. Chapter 16: Jack's lived experience. Chapter 17: Simon Lees' lived experience. Chapter 18: Kate's lived experience. Chapter 19: V's lived experience. Chapter 20: Redefining accessibility.