Neurodivergent, By Nature

Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent, By Nature

Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

Joe Harkness (Author)

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Description

Exploring the connections between nature and neurodiversity

Time in nature supports our wellbeing. If we are neurodivergent, it can stimulate our senses, feed our curiosity and help us find others with the same deep interests. But why do natural environments have such profound effects?

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in his thirties, Joe Harkness began to question whether his bond with nature was intrinsic to his neurodivergence or something developed through his life choices. Keen to know more, he connected with other neurodivergent people who share his passion for the natural world. Threading their stories with his own, Joe explores why they chose to seek diagnosis, the ways they find solace and understanding through nature, and what led many of them into nature-related careers.

Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Joe highlights the creativity, skills and passion that can benefit communities, schools and workplaces when neurodiversity is welcomed and supported in all its forms.

Chapter One
No, you're macerating the moth abdomens!
– Introducing neurodiversity and nature

Chapter Two
Dia and Gignoskein
– Seeking diagnosis

Chapter Three
Intolerable tyrants in the dock of the kangaroo court
– Experiences in education

Chapter Four
Hugging a tree for a dopamine fix
– The importance of nature

Chapter Five
More than just the saviour of the orangutan
– The conservation sector

Chapter Six
Out of the box and into the holographic forest
– Strengths

Chapter Seven
Cutting the toe pads off hundreds of dead parrots
– Achievements

Chapter Eight
Are you here to make the tea or take the notes?
– Barriers to access

Chapter Nine
Why is there a lump of multi-coloured playdough on my seat?
– Reasonable adjustments

Chapter Ten
Peeking over the fence to see what next door are up to
– Nature-related NGOs

Chapter Eleven
A rose-tinted perspective on the use of the infographic
– Government agencies

Chapter Twelve
I think I'll eat my lunch in the bat chat corner today
– Smaller conservation charities

Chapter Thirteen
Just give the naughtiest ones a sprig of lavender and a circular saw
– Forest schools and care farms

Chapter Fourteen
Weaving words into golden threads
– Why biodiversity needs neurodiversity

Acknowledgements
Further reading and resources
Index

Product details

Published	31 Jul 2025
Format	Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition	1st
Extent	256
ISBN	9781399413374
Imprint	Bloomsbury Wildlife
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Joe Harkness

Joe Harkness is a naturalist and writer. He has wr…

A persuasive and passionate book that explains the vitally important connections to be made with nature that can radically improve neurodivergent lives (and everyone else's too).

Robin Ince, author of Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal
A fascinating insight into how nature works for neurodivergent folk, and how neurodivergent folk work for nature. What a wonderful symbiosis.

Kate Bradbury, author of One Garden Against the World
A fascinating and necessary book. Joe Harkness captures the deep connection between neurodivergent people and the natural world.

Katherine May, author of Wintering
Truly enlightening – I learned such a lot.

Melissa Harrison, author of Homecoming
A humane and timely perspective into our relationship with the natural world. Joe Harkness writes with a rare authority and insight. The scales should fall from all our eyes.

Jon Dunn, author of The Glitter in the Green
A thoughtful, well-researched and very powerful call for diversity and inclusivity, for the benefit of both people and nature.

Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World