Neurodiversity

NOVEMBER 2022 | TP | 304PP | ISBN-9781839973857 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

LEANNE MASKELL is an ADHD coach, author, and consultant. She was diagnosed with ADHD age 25, trained at the ADD Coach Academy and worked in mental health & disability legal policy for over 2 years. Having trained companies such as Microsoft, Leanne founded ‘ADHD Works’ to help others harness the strengths of ADHD through coaching, education, and empowerment. This is Leanne’s third book.

ADHD an A-Z

Figuring it Out Step by Step

Leanne Maskell

Navigating the world with an ADHD brain can be exhausting. The rollercoaster ride from clinical assessments through diagnosis to treatment can leave you feeling anxious and isolated, worried about failing or feeling different.

This handy guide is here to change all that. If you have (or suspect you have) ADHD, you’ll know the frustration of being given neurotypical or clinical advice - but this is straight from an ADHD brain to you.

The accessible A-Z format, covering everything from burnout and finances to time management and relationships, gives you the tips and confidence you need to reach your full potential. It empowers you to understand why ADHD brains work the way they do and how to harness your unique mind to think creatively and overcome any hurdle life throws at you.

Easy to digest and full to the brim with practical life advice including budgeting plans for impulsive spending, advice on rejection sensitive dysphoria and ways to relax, this book provides everything you need to feel confident and supported through your ADHD diagnosis and beyond.

MAY 2021 | TP | 64PP | ISBN-9781787757301 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

SOLI LAZARUS runs the Yellow Sun consultancy providing support to families with a child with ADHD, involving 1:1 support with clients, running support groups, and producing online courses. She also delivers ADHD training to primary schools and was previously a teacher and SENCO with 30 years’ experience.

ADHD Is Our Superpower

The Amazing Talents and Skills of Children with ADHD

Soli Lazarus

If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might struggle with things like concentrating in school, or sitting still, or remembering lots of instructions. But ADHD is also a superpower.

In this book you will meet different girls and boys with ADHD who can do amazing things. You might recognise some of these strengths as things that you can do too! Some of these strengths help with everyday life, like being able to hyper-focus on a task or having boundless energy to try new things. Some strengths are superpowers for interacting with others, like having a strong sense of what is fair or entertaining friends and family to make them feel happy.

Each character also shares things that you can ask grown-ups to do to help you, like providing visual aids, creating calm spaces, communicating effectively and being kind and patient.

This book also provides guidance for parents and teachers, with advice on how they can support children with suspected or diagnosed ADHD at home or in the classroom, and provides further resources and bonus content.

DECEMBER 2021 | TP | 160PP | ISBN-9781787757684 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

SONIA ALI is a Specialist SEND, ADHD and Dyslexia Advisory Teacher for a local Authority. Previous to this, she worked for over a decade in mainstream secondary education as an English Teacher and a Dyslexia Specialist Assessor. Sonia became very interested in how ADHD presents in girls after supporting girls with ADHD and realising that she presents with ADHD herself.

The Teenage Girl’s Guide to Living Well with ADHD

Improve your Self-Esteem, SelfCare and Self Knowledge

Sonia Ali

Have you ever been told you are chatty or fidgety at school?

Do you have a constantly whirring mind?

Do you ‘tune out’ and daydream or find it hard to pay attention?

ADHD can impact your life in many ways. This positive, self-affirming guide will increase your knowledge about ADHD and empower you in your daily life.

The chapters are full of tips, tricks and life hacks so you can better manage your time, harness your creativity, energy and enthusiasm, and make more time for fun! Reflection activities and quizzes will help you better understand yourself and learn strategies on how to manage the intense emotions of rejection sensitivity. You’ll learn the fundamentals of great selfcare and how to look forward to life beyond school.

Learn how ADHD brains work, and tricky concepts like executive functioning. Quick chapter summaries let you pick which sections are most relevant to you right now, and the strategies and visuals are designed for ADHD brains and can be used with support from parents, mentors or teachers.

The Teenage Girl’s Guide to Living Well with ADHD gives you all you need to build on your strengths and overcome challenges to fully embrace who you are and live your best life.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | TP | 208PP | ISBN-9781787759442 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

ONYINYE UDOKPORO grew up in Edmonton in London and was diagnosed with dyslexia aged 11 when she won a scholarship to a private school in West Sussex. She has tutored other young people since she herself was 12 and in 2020 was awarded as one of the top 10 black students in the UK (ranked no.7) by Rare Recruitment in partnership with University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, and as one of the top 150 Future Leaders by Powerful Media in partnership with HSBC and the University of Oxford.

Dyslexia and Me

How to Survive and Thrive if You’re Neurodivergent

Onyinye Udokporo

‘Throughout my life I have been told directly and indirectly that dyslexia is found in particular people... In fact dyslexia can be found in someone like me. It isn’t just ‘okay’ but something to be proud of. This book has been written because I want people to know that dyslexia can be found in people of every colour, creed, or circumstance.’

In this book, rising star entrepreneur Onyinye Udokporo shares her story of growing up dyslexic in a society where neurodivergence was always presented as a white male issue.

Onyinye discusses her experience of being diagnosed at 11 years old, starting a business the following year, gaining a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school and going on to complete two degrees by the age of 22, while also being honest about the difficulties she faced throughout including with bullying and anxiety. She shares the tips she picked up over the years for thriving with dyslexia and the strategies she used to overcome her difficulties in reading and writing well, staying organised and speaking with confidence.

Illuminating wider issues of systemic racism in the educational sector and providing a timely reminder that dyslexia can be found in any community and culture, this is an empowering story of surviving and thriving in the face of adversity.

JANUARY 2023 | TP | 112PP | ISBN-9781839970146 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

DANIEL AHERNE founded Adjust in 2016 to help workplaces start the neurodiversity conversation and advises organizations on how to recruit and effectively manage a neurodiverse workforce. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of neurodiversity.

The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity

Daniel Aherne

At least one in seven people are thought to be neurodivergent. So what exactly is neurodiversity? What does ‘executive functioning’ mean? What are ‘spiky profiles’?

In this simple guide, expert speaker and trainer Daniel Aherne provides a clear introduction to neurodiversity and the four most common neurodivergent identities of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Using an analogy of a cactus needing a desert to grow in, he emphasises the importance of getting the environment right for neurodivergent people, rather than expecting them to adapt to the neurotypical world. Daniel, who himself has ADHD, also explains how neurodivergent people often have great strengths alongside areas of difficulty, and writes about the interplay between diagnoses, as well as unpacking tricky concepts such as working memory, sensory processing, communication differences and more.

Busting common misconceptions and setting out simple tips and guidance for supporting the neurodivergent people around you, whether among your family, friends or at your school, college or workplace - or if you yourself are ND and want to improve the understanding of others - this essential guide will help us all celebrate neurodiversity and foster more inclusive communities.

DECEMBER 2022 | TP | 288PP | ISBN-9781839971112 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

CATHY WASSELL is CEO of the popular Autistic Girls Network, and has two children, both of whom were identified as autistic in their teens. Cathy runs a digital marketing agency and mentors for the Mayor of London’s Business Growth Programmes.

Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person

A Parent’s Handbook to Supporting Newly Diagnosed Teens and Pre-teens

Cathy Wassell

Foreword by Emily Burke

As the parent of a child recognised as autistic as a pre-teen or teen, it can often feel difficult to find the answers you need. Children who make it to late primary/early secondary age before being picked up by the system tend to present with traits that are harder to spot, meaning it can be harder to engage professionals in the diagnostic process and gather the necessary support.

Cathy Wassell, CEO of Autistic Girls Network, has tailored this handbook to support parents with older children or teenagers who are at the identification stage, walking them through the basics in an engaging and accessible manner. She addresses key challenges for this age group, including co-occurring conditions, puberty, and safeguarding, as well as looking to the future, advising on schooling options, and beyond.

Designed to help parents become fully informed and ensure a nurturing and positive environment for our autistic young people, this is a guide with a focus on difference - not deficit.

AUGUST 2022 | TP | 224PP | ISBN-9781839970726 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

DANIELLE PUNTER is parent to an autistic and ADHD child and a neurodivergent author. She blogs on The Autism and ADHD Diaries, and has written for The Mighty, appeared on BBC regional news and BBC Radio Devon.

CHARLOTTE CHANEY is an autistic and ADHD parent with a complex autistic and ADHD son. She has a postgraduate degree in autism and over 12 years teaching experience in the mainstream system as a neurodivergent adult.

Parenting Rewired

How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child in a Very Neurotypical World

Danielle Punter and Charlotte Chaney

Parenting an autistic child as a neurotypical adult can be challenging but it doesn’t need to feel impossible! This essential guide will help you reshape your approaches to parenting.

Packed with lived-experience insight and easy-tofollow advice this transformative guide will change how you view the behaviour of your autistic child and challenge you to rewire your thinking to see the world through the autistic lens. This guide challenges the common misunderstandings surrounding autistic behaviour, such as emotional dysregulation in public settings or meltdowns at mealtimes. Parents and carers will be given a deeper understanding of why your child behaves the way they do and how a change in your parenting approach is key to relax and resolve difficult situations. This book gives you all the tools you need to not only parent your autistic child, but also to understand them.

With tips on how to support and interpret emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, food aversions and much more, you will learn how to see the world through your child’s eyes, using communication techniques that will help you and your child thrive.

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults

A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing

Luke Beardon

Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading not just for any autistic adult, but for anyone who loves, lives with or works with an autistic person. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives clear strategies that the autistic person can adopt to minimise their anxiety and live comfortably in the world.

DEC 2021 | TP | 144PP | ISBN-9781529394740 SHELDON PRESS | WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE

Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Childhood

For Parents and Carers of the Newly Diagnosed

Luke Beardon

A diagnosis - or a suspected diagnosis - of autism or Asperger Syndrome in a child can be overwhelming for a parent, especially if you know nothing, or very little, about either of them. Gently and honestly, it guides you through the issues you might encounter, busting the myths around autism and Asperger Syndrome, and explaining what the diagnosis means. for your child, for you, and for your wider family.

Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Adults

Luke Beardon

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ASD, or think you might be, or you are close to someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in which it challenges the idea of autism as a ‘disorder’ or ‘impairment’. Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual, and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve, whilst myth-busting and dismantling the stereotypes and clichés around ASD.

MAY 2017 | PB | 128PP | ISBN-9781847094452 SHELDON PRESS | WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children

A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing

Luke Beardon

One of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is how best to support and guide them through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical. This practical book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people. It will help you to prepare your child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and be informed about the educational choices available to your child.

NOVEMBER 2022 | TP | 368PP | ISBN-9781839970825 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

LYDIA WILKINS is a freelance journalist based in the UK covering disability and social justice issues. Her work has appeared in places such as The Independent, The Metro, Refinery 29 and PosAbility Magazine. She is also an ambassador for AccessAble, and also acts as a podcast editor and speaker. Find out more about her at lydiawilkins.co.uk.

The AutismFriendly Cookbook

Lydia Wilkins

The Autism-Friendly Cookbook was created by journalist Lydia Wilkins for autistic adults and teens to turn to when cooking for friends, lacking inspiration, or on those low-energy days. With recipes to suit any occasion, the book is written in clear, jargonfree language which makes ‘the obvious’ obvious.

Recipes are categorised by meal with additional guidance on the level of energy needed to tackle them, with options for low-energy or meltdown days, or days when you’re able to take on a new challenge. They contain adaptations and options to suit different dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, glutenfree and dairy-free, and additional modifications for those who are sensory seekers, sensory avoiders or who want to expand their repertoire in the kitchen.

With contributions from individuals within the autistic community and options for quick meals, special occasions and more. With autistic people at its heart, the book also contains helpful tips and advice for parents and teachers looking to find out more.

AUGUST 2022 | TP | 144PP | ISBN-9781839972720 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

CORINNA LAURIE is an occupational therapist specialising in autism. She is clinical lead in OT for the National Autistic Society and director of a private children’s therapy service.

Sensory and Motor Strategies (Third edition)

Practical Ways to Help Autistic Children and Young People Learn and Achieve

Corinna Laurie

In this fully revised third edition, Corinna Laurie sets out practical strategies to help autistic children develop their sensory and motor skills. Learn to identify possible challenges, recognise signs of overload and work in a coproductive way with your student or child, developing sensory regulation strategies and improving motor skills to aid well-being.

The simple, low-cost activities provide practical solutions to help children meet the demands of any situation, building skills from handwriting and using scissors to improving posture, co-ordination and motor planning. Sensory strategies include calming techniques and simple environmental modifications to prevent overwhelm, among many others.

Helping to improve functional abilities and enable children to thrive and build independence, this is an essential resource for anyone working with children on the autism spectrum.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | TP | 160PP | ISBN-9781787755895 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

HANNAH BELCHER is an autistic advocate and researcher, who has completed a PhD in camouflaging, mental health and late diagnosis in autistic females. She is a Lecturer in User Led Research at King’s College London.

Taking Off the Mask

Practical Exercises to Help Understand and Minimise the Effects of Autistic Camouflaging

Dr. Hannah Louise Belcher

Foreword by Will Mandy, PhD, DClinPsy

‘I realised I had been camouflaging my whole life - I’d been trying to mask my autistic traits and fit in with all the non-autistic people around me.’

Growing up autistic can often feel as though you have to become a chameleon in social situations, camouflaging yourself to fit in with a seemingly neurotypical world. Combining lived experience with scientific research and practical advice, this book is the essential guide to understanding why you mask and how to feel confident without one.

Focusing on diagnostic devices like the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) to discover the situations in which you mask the most and why, alongside a range of techniques, from CBT, compassion based therapy, DBT, and mindfulness to relieve anxiety and reduce stress, this guide gives you all the tools and confidence you need to re-connect with yourself, the things you love and finally, take off your mask.

FEBRUARY 2023 | TP | 224PP | ISBN-9781839972157 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

CLAIRE O’NEILL has taught autistic pupils for over 20 years. She has designed and facilitated Positive Psychology courses for teachers and parents of autistic children. She is also an accredited coach and uses positive psychology approaches in her coaching practice. Claire is autistic and lives with her autistic husband and their two autistic children.

The StrengthsBased Guide to Supporting Autistic Children

A Positive Psychology Approach to Parenting

Claire O’Neill

‘Being strength-aware has brought many moments of joy to our family life. It is this potential for growth and joy that I now want to share in this book’

This flexible, dip-in-dip-out guide will introduce you to the strengths-based approach that is helping autistic children and their families to thrive. By focusing on how to identify, develop and use your child’s strengths to support them throughout childhood and into adolescence, this transformative approach is here to show you and your child that their unique character-strengths can empower them and shape their future.

Claire O’Neill combines her personal experience as an autistic person and mother to autistic children with her expert knowledge as a professional working with autistic young people to demonstrate the value of a strengths-based approach.

With step-by-step instructions on how parents and teachers can incorporate this approach easily into family and school life, Claire also offers a variety of specific tips, tricks and engaging activities to provide ongoing support for parents and teachers alike.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | TP | 224PP | ISBN-9781787758278 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

PETE WHARMBY trained as an English teacher and now works as a writer, speaker and autism advocate. Pete was diagnosed autistic as an adult and he is focused on increasing awareness and understanding of the condition. He has spoken nationally, including at the National Autistic Society Professional Conference, and lives in the UK.

What I Want to Talk About

How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life

Pete Wharmby

‘This book isn’t a memoir. It is a love letter to the phenomenon of autistic hyperfixation.’

In What I Want to Talk About popular autism advocate Pete Wharmby takes readers on a journey through his special interests, illuminating the challenges of autistic experience along the way. Funny, revealing, celebratory and powerful in equal measure, this is a book that will resonate with many, and which should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand autism with more accuracy and empathy.

AUGUST 2022 | TP | 144PP | ISBN-9781787759923 | JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS

STEPHEN M. EDELSON, PH.D., is the executive director of the Autism Research Institute (ARI). He has been active in the field of autism for over 40 years and is currently on the panel of professional advisors for the Autism Society.

JANE BOTSFORD JOHNSON has co-edited 6 books on autism, with a specific focus on the families of people with autism. She is a board member of the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development in Texas.

Understanding and Treating Sleep Disturbances in Autism

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Edited by Stephen M. Edelson and Jane Botsford Johnson

Sleep disturbance is a common challenge for those on the autism spectrum and can have a profound impact on quality of life. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate features of autism such as repetitive behaviours, can affect brain growth and negatively impact immune and metabolic functions.

With contributions from pioneering researchers and clinicians, this book provides a professional understanding of the impact of sleep deprivation on autistic people. It offers insight into the latest research and available treatments, including the potential solutions offered by pharmacotherapy, using polysomnography in sleep evaluation, and the role of physical disturbances such as pain in sleep disorders. Contributing authors take an indepth look at current behavioural interventions for sleep problems, conduct an extensive review of sensory processing in relation to sleep disturbances, and offer a discussion and analysis of the role of nutrition and dietary advice.

This is the cutting edge resource for professionals and academics seeking further insight into sleep disturbances and autism, exploring contemporary research and setting the groundwork for the most effective methods of treatment for individuals of all ages.