New Book NEURODIVERSITY Embraces Neurological Differences
By: Molly Tracy Dec. 07, 2016
Shattering the conventional notion of disability, Neurodiversity sheds light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD), dyslexia, and other neurological differences as natural human variations with their own challenges and strengths. While backed by brain science, the authors write from personal experience. Speechless (literally) due to severe autism, Barb Rentenbach communicates by typing one letter at a type. (Though "disguised as a poor thinker," she's imaginative, dedicated, and exceptionally patient.) Her therapist and friend, Lois Prislovsky, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist whose distinctive traits include dyslexia and ADHD. (She's also married to a woman, a mom to a teenage son, and enjoys any new challenge - the wackier the better.) In alternating chapters, Barb and Lois share real-life stories, mind-opening insights, and down-to-earth advice to encourage everyone to see beyond labels, treat others with respect, and help each unique person become his or her highest self.
Written with honesty, compassion, and ribald humor, Neurodiversity offers reassurance and practical tips for parents, educators, employers, LGBT families, and anyone who loves someone who is different. Readers will discover:
The payoff of presuming competence and listening well (even to non-verbal people).
Do's and don'ts for managing anxiety. (Do facilitate optimism. Don't overprotect.)
Ways to help ADHD children excel, without medication. (Tips: Limit access to video games but don't make unrealistic restrictions on movement.)...and much more.
"Autism is my prism, not my prison," Barb Rentenbach declares. A fun take on serious issues, Neurodiversity presents two wonderfully differentperspectives on understanding how different brains think and maximizing our collective human potential.
"This book is filled with hilarious, refreshing, and touching stories about using differences in ways you would never imagine and are not always PC...The key is acknowledging and working to understand what makes up your neurologically diverse brain and THRIVING in its complexities." -Emma Willmann, Comedian
About the Authors
Barb Rentenbach is the co-founder and CEO of Mule and Muse Productions, star of the podcast Loud Mute Radio, and co-creator of The Greater Living Institute, a non-profit dedicated to serving neurodiverse individuals. She is also the author of I Might Be You, a brutally honest memoir about her often-disturbing, yet beautiful life with "severe autism," co-written with her therapist, Lois. Lois Prislovsky holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and runs a private practice as President of Psychoeducational Network. A respected writer and popular speaker on autism spectrum challenges, ADHD, and managing anxiety, she serves as President of Mule and Muse Productions and Executive Director of The Greater Living Institute. Neighbors and friends as well as business partners, Barb and Lois live in Tennessee.
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