Do Your Homework:Our Top Reads on Neurodiversity
Barbara Farland • October 23, 2024
Do Your Homework: Our Top Reads on Neurodiversity
There’s still that back-to-school spirit in the air for kids and parents alike. But “homework” isn’t just for our children. While they are becoming more and more immersed in coursework and assignments, we can also invest some of our time into studying neurodiversity, what it is, how it affects our families, and where we can try some new and better strategies for daily life together.
With all of the resources on the market these days, where do we start? Consider adding these popular, critically-acclaimed reads to your bookshelf to better understand and manage the individual and systemic effects of ADHD, autism, and other diagnoses related to neurodiversity.
It’s clear there’s a stigma attached to autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity. Society is much more likely to deem them as disabilities stemming from physical and environmental problems than “the result of natural variations in the human genome.” In his book Neurotribes, journalist Steve Silberman focuses on the latter and creates an expertly woven tapestry of history, anecdotes, and data to reveal errant mindsets and to provide direction for change.
Neurodiversity gets especially tricky when it negatively affects people’s daily interactions with the world around them. But social worker Máire Powell addresses this topic of executive functioning with both honesty and encouragement in her book Executive Functioning Superpowers. At the heart of Powell’s perspective and related advice is knowing just how much parents care for the current and future well-being of their children. In turn, she often reminds readers of why the strategies she suggests are well worth the time and effort.
Like Powell’s Executive Functioning Superpowers, Dawson and Guare’s Smart but Scattered is full of insights and suggestions on how to capitalize on strengths and overcome weaknesses as they relate to how different brains work. The book is based on two premises: 1) “Most individuals have an array of executive skill strengths as well as executive skill challenges,” and 2) “Identifying areas of challenge enables us to design and implement interventions to address those areas.” In other words, awareness and close observation inform successful solutions.
Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
When the movie Temple Grandin was released in 2010, society gained a better understanding of the internal world of those with autism. The movie was based in part on Grandin’s memoir Thinking in Pictures, which offers insight into her more visual-versus-verbal way of processing the world. In her book, Grandin is forthcoming in sharing her personal perspective and experiences as a person with autism, while also offering rich scientific background given her work as an Animal Science professor.
ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to Mostly Thriving with ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness
Penn and Kim Holderness are probably best known for their online video and song parodies on everything from the popularity of cauliflower to common everyday problems like losing our cell phones and getting the kids to school. However, in addition to entertaining their thousands of followers, they are now sharing their personal experiences around ADHD—Penn lives with it— and trying to change the script on how the public views and talks about it. ADHD is Awesome is an accessible, light-hearted yet thought-provoking read featuring three sections: 1) “Getting to Know ADHD,” 2) “Changing the Narrative,” and 3) “Thriving with ADHD.”
BONUS: ADDitude recently hosted a free webinar with the Holdernesses, who presented “We Define ADHD! Empowering Ways to Frame Our Awesome Brains.” Watch the replay>>
Barbara Farland is an English & Social Studies instructor at Brightmont Academy in Plymouth, Minn. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas and, prior to pursuing a second career in education, worked as an award-winning public relations and communications professional in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As a “storyteller by nature and teacher at heart,” Barbara continues to contribute to various anthologies, among other writing projects.
More Blog Posts + News
Private School in Plymouth Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Plymouth, MN — Approximately 1 in 5 school-aged children in the U.S. lives with a chronic medical condition. For many of these students, the effects are more than physical—about one-third experience symptoms serious enough to interrupt their ability to attend or fully participate in school. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, is uniquely positioned to meet these students where they are. With its one-to-one instruction model and year-round scheduling, Brightmont can tailor academic plans to each student’s individual needs, offering consistency and compassion when traditional schools fall short. “Childhood medical issues are a big deal,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. “Families often want to keep medical concerns private, but these students are fatigued. Staying through an eight-hour school day is incredibly taxing. Brightmont is a great reprieve from a traditional schedule. We’re a place families can turn to when a long day in a crowded school just isn’t manageable, and we’ve been able to help.” This flexible and individualized approach has made a life-changing difference for many students. Jenny Sorenson, Campus Director at Brightmont’s Plymouth location, shared the story of a student who arrived after months of school avoidance. “The one-on-one model made an immediate difference. She started attending regularly and making steady academic progress,” Sorenson recalled. “Later, she faced personal difficulties that required treatment. We put her classes on hold, and when she returned, she picked up right where she left off. With the ability to school year-round, we had solutions when she needed them.” For one Brightmont parent, this personalized structure brought hope in an overwhelming situation. “We chose Brightmont for our daughter because she was struggling in public school,” the parent shared. “She has social anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and OCD. She was missing a lot of school and failing her classes. The one-to-one teaching meant she could go at her own pace and didn’t have to face the anxiety of entering a building with 2,000 peers every day.” Brightmont Academy is located at 2855 Glacier Lane N., Suite 200 in Plymouth and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Mention artificial intelligence (AI) to today’s teachers, and many respond with grimaces and groans. It leads to cheating, they say. Students don’t really think when they use AI, others add. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that 25 percent of teachers believe AI “does more harm than good.” According to the same survey, nearly half (47 percent) of all teachers are in a quandary: they don’t know if AI is good for education or not.
Private School in Seattle Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Seattle, WA — Brightmont Academy’s Seattle campus is expanding its grade school program, with plans to open new classrooms in September 2025. Known for its one-to-one instructional model, Brightmont is extending its support to even more elementary-aged students, offering a personalized, nurturing environment that helps young learners thrive both academically and socially. “Expanding our grade school program gives us the opportunity to support students right from the start with strong academic instruction that builds a solid foundation,” said Tony Beals, Campus Director of Brightmont Seattle. “Just as importantly, it allows children to grow socially and emotionally in a smaller, more supportive setting where they can build confidence, friendships, and essential life skills.” Brightmont is uniquely positioned to serve younger students thanks to its individualized approach. “Brightmont serves grade school students exceptionally well because of our one-to-one instruction, which allows us to build each child’s academic foundation with care and without gaps,” Beals added. “At the same time, our small group activities like art and PE offer a safe and supportive space for students to develop social skills and build positive peer connections.” This expansion responds to growing demand from families seeking alternatives to larger classroom environments. Brightmont’s tailored approach is especially beneficial for students with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety. “Our program is a great fit for parents of elementary-age students who may be navigating ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety,” Beals explained. “Brightmont provides a nurturing environment where students can develop confidence, self-awareness, and the skills they need to succeed—both academically and socially—before they risk feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed in a larger school setting.” Parents interested in learning more about the expanded grade school program are encouraged to contact the Seattle campus directly. Brightmont Academy is located at 115 NE 100th St, Ste 200 in Seattle and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — While many students find the classroom to be a place of connection and learning, students with misophonia may experience it as a source of daily distress. Misophonia is a condition that causes strong emotional reactions to everyday sounds that most people overlook, such as chewing, breathing, or typing. These trigger sounds can provoke intense discomfort, anger, or panic, leading students to avoid social and academic settings altogether. Often undiagnosed and misunderstood, misophonia tends to emerge around age 12 and can severely impact mental health and academic progress. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, students with misophonia are finally finding the understanding and support they need. One such student had a life-changing experience after enrolling at Brightmont, as Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont, recalls: “I had an opportunity to meet a family and a student who was just about to start high school in a larger school environment. Misophonia is a disorder in which not only classroom noise but even everyday sounds, like typing on a keyboard or repetitive movements, can cause huge anxiety.” Recognizing how triggering a traditional school setting can be, Brightmont took deliberate steps to create a customized, quiet learning environment. The student was encouraged to wear noise-canceling headphones throughout the day without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Brightmont provided a special mouse and keyboard designed to be nearly silent. “The student grabs both of those from the desk as soon as she walks in and knows how to plug them into our computer,” Buckner explained. “We’ve worked with teachers to make sure no one is typing in her presence. Either she’ll step out, or the teacher will leave the room while she sets up her keyboard. It’s teamwork, and it’s really about putting the student first.” At Brightmont, accommodations like these aren’t exceptions; they’re part of the school’s commitment to meeting every student where they are. For those suffering in silence due to conditions like misophonia, this support can be life-changing. “Sound can make school difficult for the student. We want to provide an environment where these students can be successful,” said Buckner. Brightmont Academy is located in eight states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
In an August 2024 interview with People magazine , Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz shared how his son, Gus, has a “secret power.” That is how the Walz family has come to describe Gus’s diagnosis with multiple learning challenges, including ADHD. The Walzes are not alone in seeing neurodiversity’s benefits. Many families, along with teaching and mental health professionals, are now commonly referring to these benefits as “superpowers.” In fact, neurodiversity often proves itself not only advantageous to those directly affected but also necessary to the workings of the world.
Private School in Scottsdale Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Scottsdale, AZ — One study found that 74% of students identify homework as a source of stress. At Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, the Homework Studio (HWS) is turning that stress into success by offering a uniquely supportive and collaborative environment where students thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Unlike traditional study halls, the HWS at Brightmont functions as a dynamic space for academic and personal growth. Staffed by a team of four dedicated educators, the studio is active throughout the day, helping students manage assignments and much more. “They work as a team to run our campus HWS, which is a pretty busy place throughout the day,” said Sarah Horton, Campus Director of Scottsdale. “In addition to supporting our students with managing and completing their homework assignments, they help our students in a number of other ways. They provide executive functioning skills guidance, show students how to communicate effectively with their instructors, and lead social emotional learning activities.” Each teacher brings a unique perspective, but all are united by a shared passion for student success. “I have been working at Brightmont as a HWS teacher for a little over two years. The dynamics are always changing, and our team is quick to adapt to the changes,” said Madison Overholt, one of the studio’s educators. “We work well together because we come from different backgrounds, but we all have the same heart and intentions. Our students face so many challenges and barriers in education, so it is incredible to see their resilience at work in our environment.” For Jessica Kalicki, another member of the HWS team, working one-on-one with students has renewed her love for teaching. “The HWS is an amazing place to work, and I am excited to be at work every day,” Kalicki said. “Working one-on-one with the students as they need has reignited my passion for teaching. Every hour is different, with a different group and a different dynamic, but the structure, community, and positivity stay the same, and I have to say that it is thanks to the 3 other amazing HWS teachers I work with. Brightmont Academy is located at 6990 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 120 in Scottsdale and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Walking on Eggshells: Parenting a Child with Anxiety Disorder
Private School in Boca Raton Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Boca Raton, FL — As families seek more personalized alternatives to traditional classrooms, individualized instruction is proving to be one of the most effective ways to help students succeed. Research shows it can boost academic performance, motivation, and confidence, especially when tailored to each student’s needs. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school offering one-to-one instruction, has seen that success firsthand, so much so that its Boca Raton campus is already expanding to meet demand. The response from families has been extraordinarily positive. “I am thrilled to share that Brightmont Academy has exceeded our initial enrollment expectations in just our first year!” said Debbie Bookstein, Campus Director of Brightmont’s Boca Raton campus. “As a result, we are expanding our physical space so that we will be able to meet the needs of even more students. Our new, larger building is adjacent to our current space, so this will allow students and teachers to easily go back and forth between the buildings if necessary.” Brightmont’s one-to-one model pairs each student with a dedicated teacher in every class, allowing instruction to move at the student’s pace and focus on their goals. “The overwhelming support from the community indicates that there is a strong demand for the unique educational experience we offer,” Bookstein added. “Our current space has already reached near capacity, and our expansion will allow us to continue to deliver the high-quality education and nurturing environment that our community has come to expect.” The new space will help accommodate students’ academic and social engagement. “The new building will be more than just additional classrooms,” Bookstein explained. “It will be a place where we can enhance our commitment to personalized learning and provide further opportunities for our students to thrive. Our campus is unique in that we serve a large number of elementary students, as well as those in middle and high school. The secondary building will allow us to have the flexibility of housing our younger students in a space conducive to their learning needs, while creating a separate environment for our older students.” Brightmont Academy is located at 19102 S State Road 7 in Boca Raton and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, June 18th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
Private School in Miami Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Miami, FL — As summer vacation approaches, most families are looking forward to some well-deserved rest, travel, and quality time together. But did you know that the long break from school can lead to serious learning loss? Studies show that students can lose up to 20% of their reading skills and a whopping 27% in math over the summer months. That’s where Brightmont Academy comes in. Our one-on-one summer tutoring programs are designed to help students stay sharp , fill learning gaps, and even get ahead —all without sacrificing summer fun. “We know families want a break from the school-year grind—but kids don’t have to fall behind in the process,” says Monica Torres , Campus Director at Brightmont Academy in Miami. “Our summer sessions are personalized, flexible, and low-stress . Whether your child needs help in reading, math, or credit recovery , we create a plan that works for your family’s schedule.” Unlike traditional summer school, Brightmont’s approach is built entirely around the student. One teacher. One student. Completely tailored learning. “Our goal is to make sure students are progressing in just a few hours a week,” Torres adds. “That way, they can boost their confidence, build skills, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, pool, or whatever their summer brings!” Brightmont starts each summer program with a quick assessment to identify your child’s strengths and learning gaps. From there, the team creates a custom plan with real academic goals —so students return to school stronger, more prepared, and ready to shine. Spots fill quickly , so parents are encouraged to reach out now to explore the best fit for their child’s needs and schedule. Brightmont Academy is located at 6101 SW 76th Street in Miami and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
