Publisher's Synopsis
A paradigm-shifting study of neurodivergent women--those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder (SPD)--that explores why these traits are not detected in them and how society benefits when it allows their unique talents to flourish. As a successful Harvard and Berkeley-educated writer, entrepreneur, and mother, Jenara Nerenberg was stunned when she learned that her "symptoms" (which had always been classified as anxiety) matched those of autism and ADHD. As a good journalist, she dove deep into scientific studies and discovered neurodiversity: a framework that moves away from pathologization and recognizes the great diversity of our mental makeups. When it comes to women, sensory processing differences often go unnoticed, masked, or mistaken for something entirely different. Millions of women live undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and shame. In the meantime, we are all missing out on the talents their neurodivergent minds can offer us. Divergent Minds is a much-needed and long-awaited answer for women who are convinced that they are "different." When we allow our wide variety of brain makeups to flourish, we will be creating a better tomorrow for everyone.
