Chapter Summaries
Introduction
Chapter One:How to Read
Chapter Two:Understanding Your Child’s Brain
Chapter Three:Understanding Neurodiversity
Chapter Four:Why These Four Profiles
Chapter Five:IQ vs Adaptive Skills
Chapter Six:Insights to Self-Esteem
Chapter Seven:Dysmaturity
Chapter Eight:Social Cues
Chapter Nine:Transitions
Chapter Ten:Perseveration
Chapter Eleven:Confabulation
Chapter Twelve:Abstract Thinking
Chapter Thirteen:Cause and Effect
Chapter Fourteen:Impulse Control
Chapter Fifteen:Self-Regulation
Chapter Sixteen:Cloak of Compentency
Chapter Seventeen:Processing Speed
Chapter Eighteen:Sensory Overload
Chapter Nineteen:Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise
Chapter Twenty:Respect
Core Conversation Chapters
Chapters 5 through 20 are what the authors term the “Core Conversations” and serve as the heart of the book, offering readers an in-depth exploration of the complex realities faced by individuals and families navigating neurodiversity. Spanning 15 thoughtfully crafted chapters, these conversations address critical topics related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the impacts of trauma.
Each chapter is designed to illuminate a specific aspect of neurodiversity, moving beyond surface-level understanding to foster genuine empathy and practical insight. Topics such as confabulation, self-regulation, and dysmaturity are unpacked with clarity, blending scientific research with lived experience. The conversations draw on the latest knowledge in neuroscience and psychology, while also honoring the voices of those with firsthand experience—individuals, caregivers, and professionals alike.
This is not just informational; it should be transformational. They invite readers to challenge assumptions, reframe behaviors, and recognize the underlying needs that drive actions often misunderstood by society. By addressing issues like executive functioning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, these chapters equip families, educators, and practitioners with tools to respond with compassion and effectiveness.
Importantly, these conversations emphasize hope and resilience. Rather than focusing solely on challenges, they highlight strengths, adaptive strategies, and the importance of supportive relationships. Each chapter summary, available in the Library, provides a roadmap for deeper understanding and meaningful dialogue.
Whether you are a parent seeking guidance, a professional looking to expand your toolkit, or an ally eager to learn, the “Core Conversations” offer a foundation for embracing neurodiversity with knowledge, empathy, and hope.