The Power of Neurodiversity audiobook cover - Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain

The Power of Neurodiversity

Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain

Thomas Armstrong

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ParentingPsychologyCommunication Skills

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The Power of Neurodiversity
Core Philosophy+
Spectrum of Competencies+
Power of Positive Focus+
Niche Construction+
Building a Neurodiverse Future+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
Who originally coined the term 'neurodiversity'?
  • A. Thomas Armstrong during his work as an educational consultant.
  • B. Judy Singer as part of her work in the autism advocacy movement.
  • C. Temple Grandin through her research in animal behavior.
  • D. Amanda Baggs in her video 'In My Language'.
Question 2 of 7
According to the text, what exceptional gift is frequently linked to the brain differences responsible for dyslexia?
  • A. High emotional and social awareness
  • B. Advanced systems thinking
  • C. Exceptional spatial intelligence
  • D. Enhanced auditory processing
Question 3 of 7
How did educational consultant Thomas Armstrong change the tone of meetings regarding 'difficult' students?
  • A. He brought in medical experts to provide more accurate, deficit-based diagnoses.
  • B. He started the meetings by handing out a document containing only positive information about the child.
  • C. He required the students to be present so they could advocate for their own needs.
  • D. He eliminated the use of cumulative files to prevent teachers from forming biases.
Question 4 of 7
What point does the text make by mentioning 'Masts' in India and the 'yurodivy' in Russia?
  • A. They demonstrate how different cultures have successfully cured neurological disorders.
  • B. They represent a universal standard of 'systems thinking' that transcends cultural boundaries.
  • C. They are examples of individuals who have used modern adaptive technologies to overcome their deficits.
  • D. They show that cultural context dictates whether certain behaviors are viewed as a spiritual gift or a psychiatric disorder like schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 7
What does the story of Dr. Temple Grandin getting on her hands and knees at a pig processing plant illustrate?
  • A. The necessity of physical adaptations for neurodiverse individuals in the workplace.
  • B. The power of niche construction, where her unique 'systems thinking' became a massive professional asset.
  • C. How a 'diagnosis-based' framework severely limits the career options of people with autism.
  • D. The importance of retrofitting existing educational models to accommodate adult learners.
Question 6 of 7
How does the neurodiversity paradigm view the use of medical support, such as medication?
  • A. It rejects medication entirely, viewing it as a tool of the deficit-focused medical model.
  • B. It argues that medication should only be used if technological tools like smartphones fail to help.
  • C. It views medication as an adaptive technology that can change neurodiverse lives for the better when used holistically.
  • D. It believes medication is the only valid way to force neurodiverse individuals to conform to society.
Question 7 of 7
What is unique about the business model of the Danish software company Specialisterne?
  • A. They intentionally employ workers with Asperger’s syndrome and require clients to adapt to the workers' specific communication needs.
  • B. They developed the first smartphone application designed specifically for nonverbal individuals to communicate in the workplace.
  • C. They focus exclusively on hiring individuals with dyslexia to utilize their spatial intelligence in graphic design.
  • D. They offer free medical support and adaptive technologies to all neurodiverse employees globally.

The Power of Neurodiversity — Full Chapter Overview

The Power of Neurodiversity Summary & Overview

The Power of Neurodiversity (2011) explores how reframing neurological differences as diversity rather than disorder can empower those with atypical minds. It covers the strengths of neurodivergent thinking, finding one's niche, positive adaptations, and envisioning a more inclusive world. It invites us to celebrate the brilliance found in all human brains.

Who Should Listen to The Power of Neurodiversity?

  • Teachers of all levels
  • Parents of children with learning or cognitive differences
  • Anyone whose brain is wired a little differently

About the Author: Thomas Armstrong

Thomas Armstrong is an educator and psychologist who advocates embracing neurodiversity and cognitive variability. He’s the author of multiple books including Neurodiversity in the Classroom, The Myth of the ADHD Child, and The Human Odyssey. Armstrong's research and writing promote understanding learning differences to create positive change in families, schools, and society.

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