Resources
The following links are provided as a helpful informational resource only.
Their content is not created, controlled, or endorsed by MindScope.
Books
Neurodivergent-Affirming Resources at Your Fingertips
Looking for books, podcasts, and articles that truly understand and support neurodivergent experiences? This carefully curated resource list offers recommendations for children, teens, adults, parents, and professionals. From self-advocacy and emotional regulation to understanding PDA and sensory sensitivities, these materials are designed to educate, empower, and challenge outdated perspectives.
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Books for Children
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​​​​​Books for Teens
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Books for Adults/Parents/Professionals
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Podcasts
Neurodivergent-Affirming Podcasts for Parents & Adults
Podcasts can be a fantastic way to learn about Autism and ADHD from lived experiences, experts, and advocates. The Resources includes a selection of insightful podcasts covering neurodivergent perspectives, parenting strategies, self-advocacy, and practical support.
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Articles​​
Autism Focused
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Free Online Course by Reframing Autism ‘Autism Essentials’
The Autism Essentials course from Reframing Autism offers a deep dive into neuro-affirming perspectives, challenging outdated stereotypes and promoting acceptance.
https://reframing-autism-s-school.teachable.com/p/autism-essentials
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“Autism is a Spectrum” Doesn’t Mean What You Think
Many people misunderstand the phrase "Autism is a spectrum." It’s not a linear scale from "mild to severe"—instead, it’s a complex mix of strengths and challenges that vary across different areas of life.
https://neuroclastic.com/its-a-spectrum-doesnt-mean-what-you-think/
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A Manifesto for Allies: Adopting an Acceptance Approach to Autism
Being an ally to Autistic individuals means going beyond awareness—it’s about true acceptance and meaningful change. This manifesto from Reframing Autism challenges outdated views and encourages allies to respect, uplift, and advocate for Autistic voices.
https://reframingautism.org.au/a-manifesto-for-allies-adopting-an-acceptance-approach-to-autism/
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PDA – Helpful Approaches for Parents/Careers
Parenting and supporting a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes easier to build trust and connection. This guide from the PDA Society offers practical, compassionate strategies to help parents and careers understand and support their PDA child.
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Milton’s ‘double Empathy Problem’: A Summary for Non-academics
For years, Autistic people have been labeled as having poor social skills, but research challenges this idea. The Double Empathy Problem, introduced by Damian Milton, suggests that communication breakdowns occur not because Autistic people lack skills, but because of a mismatch between neurotypes.
https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/
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Reassessing Autistic Social Intelligence
Traditional social skills training often focuses on teaching Autistic individuals how to "fit in" with neurotypical expectations. But should the goal really be masking and conformity? This article challenges the outdated idea that Autistic people need to be "fixed" and instead promotes mutual understanding and acceptance.
https://therapistndc.org/therapy/social-skills-training/
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How To Talk About Autism Respectfully
Language shapes how we see Autism—and using respectful, neuro-affirming language is key to fostering understanding and acceptance. This guide challenges outdated terminology and promotes ways to talk about Autism that honor Autistic voices and experiences.
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How to Respond Empathetically to Sensory Sensitivities
The article provides practical steps for responding empathetically to sensory sensitivities in neurodivergent individuals, particularly children. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing sensory triggers, educating oneself about them, and offering supportive solutions like headphones or verbal warnings. Additionally, it encourages empowering individuals by explaining the reasons behind accommodations, fostering self-advocacy, and teaching self-regulation skills. The process is summarized using the acronym "SENSE" (Support, Educate, Notice, Solve, Empower).
https://reframingautism.org.au/how-to-respond-empathetically-to-sensory-sensitivities/
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How to Respond Empathetically to Meltdown
The article discusses how to respond empathetically to a meltdown by following a simple, Autistically-informed plan: CALM. First, calm your child using familiar comfort techniques, then show understanding of their distress. Afterward, prepare for future meltdowns by identifying calming strategies and discussing potential triggers. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and fostering communication, which can empower children to advocate for themselves.
https://reframingautism.org.au/how-to-respond-empathetically-to-a-meltdown/
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The Nest Approach
This document was created by the Spectrum Gaming community, as a result of autistic young people sharing the negative impacts of support that has been offered while they are experiencing meltdowns.
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Autistic peer-to-peer information transfer is highly effective
The results of this study challenge the diagnostic criterion that Autistic people lack the skills to interact successfully. The Double Empathy theory suggests that communication difficulties arise from a mismatch in neurotype, and is as much a lack of skill in neurotypical individuals as Autistic people.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1362361320919286
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The Identity Theory of Autism: How Autistic Identity Is Experienced Differently
This article talks about Autistic Identity, and how dedication to values and integrity may influence Autistic identity more than belongingness within a collective social identity. It may be a valuable read for Autistic people who are often accused of being rude, difficult, or disrespectful when they are being honest and helpful.
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ADHD Focused
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Thriving with ADHD
This article talks about supporting individuals with ADHD through education, advocacy, and resources. It offers insights into ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, as well as resources for both parents and adults with ADHD. The website emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD beyond just symptom management, aiming to help individuals thrive by focusing on strengths.
https://thrivingwithadhd.com.au/
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Attitude-Mag
(Note: some resources on this website are based on the medical-model approach to neurodivergence)
https://ww25.attitudemag.com/?subid1=20250206-1721-210a-872a-2e74ba7bf50f
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School Focused
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“Just Ask Me”: The Importance of Respectful Relationships Within Schools, a Summary for Non-academics
The article emphasizes the importance of respectful relationships between educators and Autistic students. It highlights the need for avoiding assumptions based on labels, fostering two-way communication, and promoting self-advocacy. Positive, empathetic interactions help create an inclusive learning environment, where Autistic students feel empowered. The research reveals that when educators listen to students’ needs and avoid stereotypes, it enhances inclusion and boosts confidence in students.
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Autism & Back-to-School: What Do You Wish You Knew?
The article shares reflections from various contributors about what they wish they had known about school experiences as parents or students with autism. They highlight the importance of advocating for accommodations, understanding the systems that may frustrate neurodivergent children, and the benefits of giving kids time to learn at their own pace. There is also a focus on creating positive, collaborative relationships with teachers.
https://thinkingautismguide.com/2012/08/autism-back-to-school-what-do-you-wish.html
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Flourishing in Education
The article discusses how educators can design more inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming classrooms for Autistic students. Key recommendations include adopting flexible rules, focusing on strengths-based approaches, increasing accessibility, promoting self-advocacy, and teaching self-regulation strategies. It emphasizes that neurodivergent students should not have to mask or adapt excessively but should thrive within environments that embrace their unique ways of learning.
https://reframingautism.org.au/flourishing-in-education/
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A Letter To The Staff at My Daughter’s School
The article shares a heartfelt letter from a parent to school staff, offering insights into her daughter Emma's unique needs and preferences as an Autistic child. It provides strategies for communication, handling frustrations, and fostering a positive learning environment. The letter emphasizes understanding sensory sensitivities, offering structure, and supporting emotional regulation. It also encourages compassion, patience, and flexibility in helping Emma thrive academically and socially.
https://thinkingautismguide.com/2012/09/a-letter-to-staff-at-my-daughters-school.html
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Kids Do Well if They Can
The Walking Tour page from Lives in the Balance offers an interactive experience for parents and caregivers to understand the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. It helps identify underlying problems, lagging skills, and ways to collaborate proactively with children to address behavior and challenges, creating a compassionate and effective approach to discipline. It also offers videos and resources for further learning.
https://livesinthebalance.org/walking-tour-old/
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How Teachers Can Help Students with Challenging Behaviors
It focuses on understanding the science behind behavior and suggests ways teachers can support students with challenging behaviors using a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. This includes strategies like creating safe environments, attuning to students' needs, and promoting self-regulation.
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How Teachers Can Help Students with Challenging Behaviors
It focuses on understanding the science behind behavior and suggests ways teachers can support students with challenging behaviors using a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. This includes strategies like creating safe environments, attuning to students' needs, and promoting self-regulation.
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InclusionED
The inclusionED website is a professional learning platform for educators, offering evidence-based practices and resources to support inclusive education. It covers a variety of areas, including classroom management, sensory considerations, social/emotional wellbeing, and adjustments for diverse learners. It also provides strategies to help teachers implement universal design for learning and support students with challenging behaviors.
https://www.inclusioned.edu.au/
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Reasonable adjustments possible at school
The article discusses reasonable adjustments that can be made in schools to support Autistic students. These adjustments can include sensory accommodations, individualized learning plans, and changes to classroom routines to reduce stress and help students thrive. It also encourages collaboration between educators, parents, and students to create a supportive environment that meets diverse needs.
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Reasonable Adjustments: Autism
This page discusses reasonable adjustments for students with Autism Spectrum Conditions, offering strategies to create more inclusive learning environments. These include sensory accommodations, additional time for exams, support with group work, and modifications to classroom materials. The goal is to ensure students have the resources needed to thrive academically.
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​TED Talks or Videos​
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Social Media​
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Other Useful Resources​
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Websites
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Reframing Autism
An organization led by Autistic individuals who are dedicated to embracing and fostering Autistic identity.
You can find more about them at www.reframingautism.org.au
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Embrace Autism
Provides access to reliable, scientifically validated online screening tests if you're wondering whether you might be Autistic and want to find out more before deciding whether a formal assessment would be helpful.
You can check it out here: www.embrace-autism.com
