This workbook-guide for late-identified neurodivergent (ND) adults is written by a ND psychologist with lived experience. Each chapter explores a main component of building healthy relationships with both the self and others. This book is jam-packed with engaging, ND-firendly infographics explaining key concepts (printed in premium, full colour!) to help the reader better understand neurodivergence and their own late identification. Drawing on a range of evidence-based psychotherapy models and written in a relaxed, easy-to-read tone, this neuro-affirming book is a must-have for any neurodivergent person.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This inviting workbook functions as a guide for late-identified neurodivergent adults. Loo explains the basics of neurodivergence alongside reflective prompts and colorful graphics that illustrate the book's main concepts.
Prose: The prose is straightforward and clear, and Loo writes in warm, welcoming language. The guide is punctuated by catchy graphics with familiar terminology that will resonate with the intended audience.
Originality: Nurturing Neurodivergence offers a unique slant in its focus on late-identified neurodivergent adults, and Loo's inclusion of hands-on visuals heightens the guide's relevance and utility.
Character/Execution: Loo succeeds in creating a useful workbook that covers the basics while offering readers feasible advice and versatile strategies.
Date Submitted: October 15, 2023
Neurodivergent psychologist Loo debuts with this uplifting compendium of recommendations and techniques for late-identified neurodivergent adults to build healthy relationships, self-acceptance, and more.With a goal to “not just be ‘aware’ of neurodivergence, but also embrace and celebrate it,” Loo opens with the need to use neurodivergent language and a brief, but thorough, consideration of just what neurodivergence encompasses, followed by tips that range from how to cleanly communicate to positive self-care approaches. The tone is warm and inviting, and Loo makes it clear that readers should absorb the information at their own pace and take time to rest when needed. Loo acknowledges that neurodivergence is a relatively new revelation and should be viewed through a flexible lens, with an understanding that appropriate language and methodology may change over time. “Ongoing reflection from society is necessary to ensure that we’re always trying to better understand, represent and support the neurodivergent community” she urges, and readers will find a wealth of affirmative ideas and approaches here that attest to those beliefs. Topics of note include masking neurodivergence to be viewed as “socially acceptable” (and the harm that goes along with that), healthy versus unhealthy power dynamics in relationships, and the need to avoid the common neurodivergent pitfall of people-pleasing.
Readers will find the colorful graphics, diagrams, and journaling opportunities particularly useful; Loo utilizes mind maps to illustrate complex topics, and visuals such as a “self-care menu” and a layout of creative stims ideas—self-care activities to help regulate emotions—are bold, bright, and incredibly helpful. The message is clear: “Being pressured to live like a [neurotypical]… is like forced cultural assimilation in the ethnocultural context.” While she writes that the material is meant for those who identified their neurodivergence in adulthood rather than childhood, this handbook will also prove a valuable tool for any neurodivergent or neurotypical reader.
Takeaway: Enlightening, supportive resource for late-identified neurodivergent adults.
Comparable Titles: Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes, Zosia Zaks’s Life and Love.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Nurturing Neurodivergence: The Late-Identified Adults’ Guide to Building Healthy Relationships with Self and Others, by Jasmine K. Y. Loo, serves as a practical and insightful guide for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with Autism and ADHD, navigating a world predominantly designed for neurotypical individuals. Loo addresses the notable gap in literature for adults who discover their neurodivergence later in life. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and experiences from her professional interactions, the author provides a roadmap to help these individuals transition from unawareness of their neurodivergence to understanding and navigating life with this new self-knowledge.
The book is enriched with introspective questions and guided exercises, which are thoughtfully integrated either for in-book reflection or use in a personal journal. This approach not only deepens the reader’s comprehension of the topics discussed but also facilitates a more personalized journey of self-discovery and understanding.
An especially commendable feature of Loo’s work is the organization of the chapters. The book begins with an overarching introduction before delving into specific discussions on Autism and ADHD. Each section thoughtfully examines the emotional, executive functioning, and sensory processing challenges associated with each condition, along with other unique characteristics. This book is a significant resource for those interested in psychology as it highlights the reality that awareness and understanding of neurodivergence in adulthood are still emerging concepts. This realization, combined with a lack of adequate professional guidance and existing stigmas, underscores the importance of Loo’s work.
Nurturing Neurodivergence stands out for its accessibility, empathy, and the careful balance it strikes between being comprehensive and personalizable through the included exercises and queries. The book resonates as a voice for many undergoing similar experiences, offering valuable insights for neurodivergent individuals, mental health professionals, and those seeking to broaden their understanding of neurodiversity.
In essence, Jasmine K. Y. Loo’s book is a significant contribution to the field of neurodiversity and mental health. Its practical guidance and empathetic tone make it a valuable resource for a wide audience, fostering greater understanding and support for neurodivergent adults.
"Nurturing Neurodivergence by Jasmine K. Y. Loo is an eye-opening exploration into... how [an autistic or ADHDer] at any level, can find self-acceptance and an understanding of themselves or other neurodivergent adults. This book makes it easy to understand the nature and challenges of living with neurodivergence but gives practical advice on how to deal with it.
Loo has created a gift that can be used by professionals, parents, and individual adults... - The easy-to-understand infographics are designed for... readers who may [be] easily overwhelmed or discouraged by walls of text. This allows for greater understanding for everyone.
If you are an adult newly identified as neurodivergent, this book can help dispel some of the frustration, confusion, and mystery you may have experienced during childhood and in your entire life. I connect with the material in this book in a personal way, and I'm sure some readers will too. This book can help you realize you aren't alone, and that there are professionals and fellow neurodivergent adults who can help and support you.
One of my favorite parts of this guidebook is the questions and activities, which will keep readers engaged and help them sort through what they've experienced and how they're feeling or behaving. Those familiar with CBT... and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy will see how these... approaches are the [book's] foundation for helping neurodivergent clients in a supportive setting. The techniques are professional, offering concrete solutions and strategies; the tone is compassionate and understanding.
When it comes to neurodivergence, one size does not fit all, and each person lives their own truth. If you want a book that will open doors to self-understanding and possibility, "Nurturing Neurodivergence: The Late-Identified Adults' Guide to Building Healthy Relationships with Self and Others" by Jasmine K. Y. Loo is a book you should read today."
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views
Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite
"Neurodivergence is a non-medical term used to describe people whose brains function differently from typical brains and can include conditions such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many people spend their lives living with undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions... Jasmine K.Y. Loo aims to help [them] identify and discover themselves, understand themselves better, and find a way to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled life [using] her book, Nurturing Neurodivergence...
Nurturing Neurodivergence is everything an informative book should be. Apart from its colorful and beautiful packaging, it is loaded with information that could transform one’s life. An activity section at the end of every chapter is where readers can reflect and answer honestly about how the topics relate to their personal lives. The author’s writing style is simple and straight to the point, using good illustrations to aid one’s understanding. Nurturing Neurodivergence also has diagrams explaining certain points that I am sure readers will understand better, coupled with links to more information on the web. Jasmine K.Y. Loo’s Nurturing Neurodivergence is power-packed with liberating words and contents that can make life worth living and enjoyable. I recommend it to neurodivergent readers and their loved ones to help them identify, understand, and seek better ways to help their conditions."
