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Neurodivergent, By Nature

Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent, By Nature cover

Neurodivergent, By Nature

Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

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Pre-order. Available Oct 07 2025
$23.40 RRP $26.00 Website price saving $2.60 (10%)

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Description

Joe Harkness, author of the acclaimed Bird Therapy, investigates the connections between nature and neurodiversity

Time in nature supports our well-being. For people who are neurodivergent, it can also stimulate our senses, feed our curiosity and help us find others who share our deep passions. But why do natural environments have such profound effects? If children with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergences spend more time outdoors, could it improve their educational experiences and outcomes? And if they nurture nature connections into adulthood, could this form the roots of their identities?

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in his thirties, Joe 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. Threading their stories with his own, Joe explores why they chose to get diagnosed, the ways they seek solace and understanding through nature, and what led many of them into nature-related careers. He describes the barriers they face in education and employment and the adjustments that can ensure they thrive in a world designed for neurotypical brains.

In his honest and funny new book, Joe highlights the importance of connecting with nature and the skills, creativity and passion we can bring to communities and workplaces when we welcome and support neurodiversity in all its forms.

Table of Contents

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 Oct 07 2025
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 256
ISBN 9781399413367
Imprint Bloomsbury Wildlife
Dimensions 9 x 5 inches
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Joe Harkness

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

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