Neurodiversity
 
What Is Neurodiversity?
 
Neurodiverse is a term used to describe those who have neurological conditions that affect how their brains process and interact with the world. Examples of neurodiversity include:
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Tourette's
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
Why Does It Matter?
 
Neurodiversity affects many aspects of daily life, including socialization, mealtime, school, work, and more. For children, neurodiversity means they may need adjustments and accommodations as they grow and learn. These accommodations range from things like noise cancelling headphones to IEP plans at school, and they are an extremely important tool for helping neurodiverse children thrive.
 
Handley Library has partnered with Kulture City to provide accommodations at the library. When you visit, head to any information desk to borrow a Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Bag. These bags contain items such as fidget toys, feeling thermometers, and noise-cancelling headphones. We encourage all visitors to use our Kulture City bags if they anticipate a sensory need. 
 
Parenting neurodiverse children can bring unique challenges with equally unique solutions, and ones that are not widely discussed. Check out these resources that explore what neurodiversity is, share stories from fellow parents of neurodiverse kids, and provide solutions for parenting hurdles.
 
Books about Neurodiversity
Thriving With Autism: 90 Activities To Encourage Your Child's Communication, Engagement, and Play
by Katie Cook

Provides activities to encourage children with autism with communication, engagement, and play.
Your Child Is Not Broken: Parent Your Neurodivergent Child Without Losing Your Marbles
by Heidi Mavir

Part autobiography, part parenting manual, Your Child Is Not Broken is a no-holds-barred account of Heidi Mavir's discovery of her child's neurodivergence.
Autism & Education: The Way I See It: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know
by Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin discusses the real issues that parents, teachers, and kids face every day. Here is a concise handbook that illustrates what Temple has found to work in the field of education. In these helpful pages, Dr. Grandin offers do's and don'ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her insider perspective and extensive research.
The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Most Effective Diets
by Pamela J. Compart

Featuring an up-to-date review of common specialty diets for ADHD and autism treatment, this third edition of the comprehensive cookbook is filled with helpful information and research, and includes more than 150 kid-friendly recipes.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People On the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity
by Emily Paige Ballou

An anthology of autistic contributors who tackle the everyday challenges of growing up while honestly addressing the emotional needs, sensitivity and vibrancy of autistic girls and nonbinary people, helping parents to avoid common mistakes and overcome challenges while raising their child.
The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate For Your Special Ed Child
by Lawrence M. Siegel

This excellent guide for parents of children with disabilities combines legal information with practical advice to them step-by-step instructions for navigating the complicated process of creating and maintaining an IEP for their child with special needs.
The Sensory Child Gets Organized: Proven Systems For Rigid, Anxious, or Distracted Kids
by Carolyn Dalgliesh

Presents simple, effective solutions and proven systems for parents of children with sensory processing disorder, anxiety disorder, ADD/ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder and OCD that bridge the gap between clinical support and practical in-home solutions.
Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle In School: a Strength-Based Approach to Helping Your Child Thrive and Succeed
by Dewey Rosetti

"Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle in School" guides parents through the challenging and often unfamiliar landscape of raising kids who have been labeled with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, and more. Drawing from her own experience as a parent of a child with learning differences-who is now a highly successful adult-the author outlines clear lessons from a quarter century of advocating for kids who learn differently.
E-Resources
Special Education Courses
by Universal Class

Browse Universal Class's section on Special Education to watch videos such as Autism 101, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Learning Disabilities: What You Need To Know. 
Parent TV
by Family Place Libraries

Learn from Parent TV's wide collection of webinars and videos such as: Understanding Your Neurodivergent Child Bootcamp, My Child Has Been Diagnosed- Now What?, and Autism Explained.  
 Storytimes
Attend a Storytime at the Library
Middle Grade Book Spotlights
Need help finding your next read? Check out what we're spotlighting.
 Teen Homework Help
Access free help with your library card.
Handley Regional Library System
 100 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-9041
https://www.handleyregional.org/
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