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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Power of Neurodiversity summary
Thomas Armstrong
Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain
20 mins
Brief summary
Summary in English:The Power of Neurodiversity by Thomas Armstrong is a book that celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with neurological differences, offering a new perspective on how society can benefit from embracing neurodiversity.
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The Power of Neurodiversity
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A spectrum of competencies
Amanda Baggs posted the video In My Language in 2007, amidst a growing autism activism movement. For the first half, there’s no spoken language – Amanda taps on objects, flaps her hand, and hums. The camera flashes between shots of her interacting with objects that move and clatter. She’s focused and engaged in this visual, kinesthetic language.
Amanda has autism and is considered to be nonverbal and low-functioning. But the video seems at odds with this evaluation.
Through her synthesizer, she explains, “The thinking of people like me is only taken seriously if we learn your language, no matter how we previously thought or interacted … It is only when I type something in your language that you refer to me as having communication.”
The neurodiversity paradigm offers a more empowering perspective on neurological differences than the medical paradigm tends to allow. It challenges the idea that different ways of interacting with the world are incorrect.
Many people who have been diagnosed with dyslexia rank highly when tested for spatial intelligence. It’s believed that the same brain differences that are responsible for their reading difficulties are also responsible for this exceptional gift of translating visual images mentally.
You can imagine that in a world where students were tested on their special reasoning instead of their ability to read, our “smartest” students would suddenly become the ones with a deficit. People exist on a spectrum of competencies. How those competencies are valued by society dictates which are considered deficits and which are gifts.
Amanda can’t communicate with people verbally, but she’s in constant dialogue with her environment. This is an example of what’s called “systems thinking,” a type of intelligence focused on interaction and the relationship between objects in a system. There’s a high correlation between people diagnosed with autism and exceptional ability in this form of intelligence.
And yet, when people see Amanda interact with things “wrongly,” they often doubt that she’s a thinking person. Amanda says “… since their definition of thought defines their definition of personhood so ridiculously much, they doubt that I am a real person as well.”
Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing and valuing the vast spectrum of human experiences, just as we celebrate the vibrant richness of human culture or ability. By moving away from a deficit-focused medical model to an empowerment model, neurodiversity transforms difference into variety, deficit into advantage, and disability into possibility.
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What is The Power of Neurodiversity about?
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.
The Power of Neurodiversity Review
The Power of Neurodiversity (2010) by Thomas Armstrong is a book that explores the benefits of embracing and understanding the diverse range of neurological differences. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Provides a fascinating exploration of how neurodiversity can be seen as a valuable asset rather than a disorder.
- Offers compelling evidence and real-life examples that challenge traditional notions of intelligence and normality.
- By celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals, the book promotes inclusivity and encourages a more accepting society.
Who should read The Power of Neurodiversity?
- Teachers of all levels
- Parents of children with learning or cognitive differences
- Anyone whose brain is wired a little differently
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The Power of Neurodiversity FAQs
What is the main message of The Power of Neurodiversity?
Embrace the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
How long does it take to read The Power of Neurodiversity?
The reading time for The Power of Neurodiversity varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Power of Neurodiversity a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Power of Neurodiversity is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that sheds light on the value of neurodiversity. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Power of Neurodiversity?
The author of The Power of Neurodiversity is Thomas Armstrong.
What to read after The Power of Neurodiversity?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Power of Neurodiversity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Relativity by Albert Einstein
- Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
- Neurodiversity at Work by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby
- In a Different Key by John Donvan and Caren Zucker
- Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli
- The 12 Traits of the Greats by Dave Martin
- The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
- Read People Like a Book by Patrick King
- The Art of Explanation by Ros Atkins
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus