Neurodiverse Resources I'm Saying Yes to in 2022 to Cultivate Acceptance and Growth

Saying YES is both exciting and inspiring!

As I have mentioned in my January blog post, my intention is to say YES to cultivate acceptance and growth…through LOVE.

These past few months have been filled with deep listening, reflecting, and learning, so that I can accept and grow as a parent of two amazing neurodivergent teen boys and a therapist focusing on neurodiverse affirming social-emotional development. I am committed to being a part of progress in science, inclusion, neurodiversity, and equity in the systems and our culture we live in!

Thanks to all of the neurodiverse community, and all of the advocates, authors, trainers, parents, educators, etc. who are sharing such valuable information.

Here are a few that I have said YES to and learned so much from already.

Podcasts I’ve said YES to:

Two Sides of the Spectrum with Meg Proctor and Learn Play Thrive

A place where we explore research, amplify autistic voices, and change the way we think about autism in life and in professional therapy practice.

Uniquely Human with Barry Prizant

Uniquely Human: The Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge, and practical information about the autistic experience.

ADHD Experts -ADDitude Magazine

Leading ADHD experts give real-life answers to questions submitted by ADD adults and parents raising children with attention deficit disorder across a range of topics covering symptoms, school, work, and family life.

Books I’ve said YES to:

Divergent Mind, Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg

A paradigm-shifting study of neurodivergent women—those with ADHD, autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder—exploring why these traits are overlooked in women and how society benefits from allowing their unique strengths to flourish.

Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke

In Beyond Behaviors, internationally known pediatric psychologist, Dr. Mona Delahooke describes behaviors as the tip of the iceberg, important signals that we should address by seeking to understand a child’s individual differences in the context of relational safety.

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant

Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of "autistic" symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, problems in communicating, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Now Dr. Barry M. Prizant offers a new and compelling paradigm: the most successful approaches to autism don't aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms, but rather seeking to understand the individual's experience and what underlies the behavior.

ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell

In ADHD 2.0, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this “variable attention trait,” draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD at any age. They offer an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks for thriving with ADHD.

Trainings I’ve said YES to:

• Goal Writing for Autistic Students- Rachel Dorsey, Autistic SLP
• Learn Play Thrive - Summit
• Become a Neurodiversity Affirming Advocate - Bridges Learning

Consultants I’ve said YES to:

• McAlister Huynh, Accessibility Specialist: Educator, Speaker, and Consultant
• Becca Lory - Autism, Neurodiversity, & Inclusion Consultant

Having neurodivergent consultants to learn from and process with is so important for my development and work in supporting and advocating for neurodiverse children, teens, and adults, including my own children, as well as learning about my own brain. 

"I love when professionals become true allies and that is exactly what Elizabeth is. She stays up to date and involved with the community, and allows those priorities to influence how she practices. She is never afraid to ask questions and learn new things. That is the attitude of someone who truly understands and celebrates neurodiversity." -Becca Lory

Once we understand all of the benefits of neurodiversity, it’s easier to focus on strengths and celebrations.  Doesn’t that sound like a better place (and necessary) to be with your thoughts, actions, and relationships with your child? Read a blog post I wrote last year about the movement to make our world one where we celebrate diversity of all kinds, including all of the beautiful and diverse minds.