Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities

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I think it’ll be helpful in giving people a different way of looking at their diagnosis and understanding of themselves through the neurodiversity paradigm rather than the pathology paradigm. I'm uncomfortable with this evasion of responsibility for what she's publishing, and I don't think this caveat will prevent harm caused by inadequately considered texts, given that they're intended to occupy the privileged position of teaching material.

And then just in general, this book provided me with so much more than other books on autism have provided me with. I really recommend this for service providers and allies, a lot of it is certainly written for that audience. If you are new to these concepts and wondering what neurodiversity actually is, what each of the terms—such as neurodivergent or neurodiverse—mean, and how this relates to autism and Autistic rights, Neuroqueer Heresies is the perfect place to start. And finally, I got a little annoyed by Walker explaining the background behind every essay and where it was originally published, etc.

And that by unmasking, when possible, we can offer to ourselves and the world an example of another way to live.

The kids smearing feces on the wall of the bathroom at target because they were asked to walk to the bathroom because their caregiver could smell the soiled diaper, or dropping their pants to feel the fabric of the couch against their testicles (I’m citing examples all of my own personal experience). Neuroqueer Heresies also provide valuable foundational knowledge for Autistic and other neurodivergent people. For someone like me who was diagnosed as autistic last year at age 57 this has provided an invaluable and affirming perspective on how I perceive and experience the world. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

If you aren't questioning at least some of your long-held beliefs by the end of this book, then go back to the beginning and start again. This book is a work of advocacy for fellow neurodivergents, an intellectually demanding book that will challenge your preconceptions and assumptions. It is full of Dr Walker's seminal essays which have been incredibly influential in neurodiversity theory, alongside new commentaries and essays with a focus on neuroqueering. They are no more neurotypical than they are a chemical engineer, because they have the potential to become one in 20 years.