Joe Harkness, author of the acclaimed Bird Therapy, investigates the connections between nature and neurodiversity
Time in nature supports our well-being. For people who are neurodivergent, it can also stimulate our senses, feed our curiosity and help us find others who share our deep passions. But why do natural environments have such profound effects? If children with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergences spend more time outdoors, could it improve their educational experiences and outcomes? And if they nurture nature connections into adulthood, could this form the roots of their identities?
After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in his thirties, Joe began to question whether his bond with nature was intrinsic to his neurodivergence or something developed through his life choices.
Keen to know more, he connected with other neurodivergent people. Threading their stories with his own, Joe explores why they chose to get diagnosed, the ways they seek solace and understanding through nature, and what led many of them into nature-related careers. He describes the barriers they face in education and employment and the adjustments that can ensure they thrive in a world designed for neurotypical brains.
In his honest and funny new book, Joe highlights the importance of connecting with nature and the skills, creativity and passion we can bring to communities and workplaces when we welcome and support neurodiversity in all its forms.
Joe Harkness, author of the acclaimed Bird Therapy, investigates the connections between nature and neurodiversityRecenzijos
A persuasive and passionate book that explains the vitally important connections to be made with nature that can radically improve neurodivergent lives (and everyone else's too). * Robin Ince, author of Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal * A fascinating insight into how nature works for neurodivergent folk, and how neurodivergent folk work for nature. What a wonderful symbiosis. * Kate Bradbury, author of One Garden Against the World * A fascinating and necessary book. Joe Harkness captures the deep connection between neurodivergent people and the natural world. * Katherine May, author of Wintering * Truly enlightening I learned such a lot. * Melissa Harrison, author of Homecoming * A humane and timely perspective into our relationship with the natural world. Joe Harkness writes with a rare authority and insight. The scales should fall from all our eyes. * Jon Dunn, author of The Glitter in the Green * A thoughtful, well-researched and very powerful call for diversity and inclusivity, for the benefit of both people and nature. * Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World *
Daugiau informacijos
Exploring the connections between nature and neurodiversity
Chapter One
No, youre macerating the moth abdomens!
Introducing neurodiversity and nature
Chapter Two
Dia and Gignoskein
Seeking diagnosis
Chapter Three
Intolerable tyrants in the dock of the kangaroo court
Experiences in education
Chapter Four
Hugging a tree for a dopamine fix
The importance of nature
Chapter Five
More than just the saviour of the orangutan
The conservation sector
Chapter Six
Out of the box and into the holographic forest
Strengths
Chapter Seven
Cutting the toe pads off hundreds of dead parrots
Achievements
Chapter Eight
Are you here to make the tea or take the notes?
Barriers to access
Chapter Nine
Why is there a lump of multi-coloured playdough on my seat?
Reasonable adjustments
Chapter Ten
Peeking over the fence to see what next door are up to
Nature-related NGOs
Chapter Eleven
A rose-tinted perspective on the use of the infographic
Government agencies
Chapter Twelve
I think Ill eat my lunch in the bat chat corner today
Smaller conservation charities
Chapter Thirteen
Just give the naughtiest ones a sprig of lavender and a circular saw
Forest schools and care farms
Chapter Fourteen
Weaving words into golden threads
Why biodiversity needs neurodiversity
Acknowledgements
Further reading and resources
Index
Joe Harkness is a naturalist and writer from Norfolk. He has written features for many publications, including The Guardian, iNews, BBC Wildlife, Birdwatching and Birdwatch. He has also shared his passion for nature on TV shows and radio such as BBC Winterwatch and BBC Radio 4. His first book, Bird Therapy, was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. Joe works in education and currently oversees a sixth form for young people with complex needs.
