Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal

By: Kyler Shumway, Daniel Wendler, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kyler Shumway, Daniel Wendler

We’ve all been told, at one point or another, to “just be yourself”. Whether you are starting school, beginning a new job, attending a party—any time you are trying to find your place in a new or unfamiliar environment—well-meaning advisors offer this nugget of wisdom. But what if being your authentic self means you don’t fit in with what society or your peers may consider “normal”? What is “normal”, anyway?

Join Dr. Kyler Shumway and Dr. Daniel Wendler to explore these questions and many others in Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal. In six lectures, Dr. Shumway and Dr. Wendler will help you understand the nature of neurodiversity, a growing school of thought that seeks to embrace the range of differences in individual brain function and behaviors rather than “correct” them, with a focus on empathy, acceptance, and accommodation. To help you better understand neurodiversity, your instructors will guide you through three core concepts:

• Neurodiversity is a natural part of human diversity.
• Environment affects our definitions of ability and disability.
• It is possible to create environments that allow everyone to thrive, regardless of differences.

Once you have a better idea of what neurodiversity is and why approaching it with empathy and understanding is so important, Dr. Shumway and Dr. Wendler will dive into the specifics of the most common neurotypes that fall into the category of neurodivergent—autism and ADHD—followed by a look at learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even psychosis. Along the way, your instructors will share what they’ve seen and learned as psychologists—and one of them will share his own experiences as a neurodivergent individual.

We often fear what we don’t understand. To combat this fear, the concept of neurodiversity can help us recognize the vast spectrum of human experience, embrace that people are people no matter how they are wired, and realize that there’s no such thing as “normal”.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

Amazing narration, Amazing content, Amazing listen

I love this audiobook/collection of lessons. Each 20-30 minute chapter is easy to follow and gets straight to the point. There's no waiting for a whole hour trying to get to the point and then forgetting everything else or losing interest. If I could have the authors/narrators as professors or teachers, I'd be thrilled to go to class lol. I also had some good chuckles at some of the analogies and anecdotes and they all were easy to follow. By far, an amazing listen and way to learn more about neurodiversity.

Too Superficial

Basic definitions and personal stories. No real solutions or applicable advice on dealing with divergents in your life.

Impeccable knowledge to be had.

As someone who wears a mask for everyday life it was such an incredible listen to hear that I am not alone. There’s so much more knowledge to be gained. Very knowledgeable authors and such a powerful read.

everyone needs to listen to this

perfect for n. divergent and n. typical!! A beautiful well written way of teaching all about this. please do yourself and others a favor and give it a try!

relevant stories

The offers were able to give great stories that were relevant to Neuro, typical VS neural diversity. What is truly typical? What is truly normal? Definitely made me rethink my outlook towards all people that I come in contact with!

The acceptance of others.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very insightful, and taught me a little bit about myself along the way.

actually makes sense and is enlightening

the psychologist that did this, did an amazing job! learned new things and got to think about some things in different ways.

Power in knowing Self and Shadow

I cried through the first 3 chapters, probably gonna cry till the end of the book. I’m 41 with a ADHD diagnosis from 2 years ago. My life has been a serious of impossible tests from childhood abuse from my fathers, assimilation at the cost of masking authenticity, and feeling completely alone for the majority of my life. The only reason I’m still in this plane of existence is because of kind and accepting people. Just a handful has kept me alive. I’m feel finally on a path that will lead to growth that has kept me so alone and afraid of myself. Thank you all

Presentation

This was a helpful toe dip into understanding neurodivergent people. I work with a young autistic/ADHD woman and gained insight about how to help her. Thank you.

Relatable and easy to digest

This should be mandatory for everyone. An accompanying video would be a nice touch.