Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Ellis, Paul, Amanda Kirby, and Abby Osborne. Neurodiversity and education. Malmö: Produced by Swedish Agency for Accessible Media, 2024.

Created by the complied efforts of educators, Ellis and Osborne, as well as Dr. Amanda Kirby, this book serves as an exceptional resource in the effort to raise neurodivergent awareness. This book makes it clear that regardless of any labels, we’re all the same and different. The book objective is to bring much needed clarity to the lack of understanding and knowledge surrounding neurodivergence. With research and years of experience to support its information, resources like this are helping change the narrative on neurodivergence.

 Furler, Betsy. Talking with tech: Solutions for children and adults who are nonverbal. Phoenix, Arizona, 2018.

Many neurodivergent individuals and their family struggle with the challenges of communication. With the vast technological advancements in our society, these challenges can be greatly minimized by the introduction of AAC devices. This book is designed to not only help those who struggle with communication to get integrated with a helpful ACC tool but also those that are already utilizing AAC support tools. With over 25 years of experience as a speech pathologist, Furler has done completed countless hours of research to assist in helping all kids struggling with communication, to maximize technological devices and applications limiting the impact certain communication challenges can have on their quality of life.

Grandin, Temple. Autism and education what parents and teachers need to know. La Vergne: Future Horizons, 2003.

In an effort to bridge the gap between educator and neurodivergent individuals, like those diagnosed with autism, Grandin outlines specific strategies and tips to assist educators. Like many in our society, educators tend to look at kids with autism from a what they can’t do perspective, Grandin encourages educators to alter this train of thought towards what they can accomplish. As someone herself, that was diagnosed with autism, Dr. Grandin serves as a walking example of why educators shouldn’t place limitations on autistic individual’s capabilities. Utilizing this resource equips educators with guidance to build productive, challenging, and rewarding programs that focus on neurodivergent individual’s strengths.

 Hall, Nerissa, Jenifer Juengling-Sudkamp, Michelle L. Gutmann, and Ellen R. Cohn. Fundamentals of AAC: A case-based approach to enhancing communication. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing, Inc, 2023.

This book serves as a tutorial instruction guide to understanding, evaluating, and providing the necessary AAC support that fits each specific individual’s needs. There are a variety of different types of AAC support, to maximize these support tools, families and educators need to be well educated on how to determine what best serves the student. The book highlights an abundance of different compiled data and research to support each and every integration of AAC mention. With over 36 case studies incorporated in the material, anybody with concerns about a family members ability to communicate should utilize this material.

Hayden, Chloé. Different, not less: A neurodivergent guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after. London: Murdoch Books, 2024.

With many neurodivergent individuals facing constant misconceptions and doubt about their capabilities, Hayden with this book, aims to serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals. As a renowned actor, Hayden’s career involves creating inspiration through her work and through her advocacy for autism that’s exactly what Hayden emphasizes in the book. Through storytelling, Hayden provides a funny, entertaining, yet relatable example for neurodivergent individuals to embrace everything about themselves. This book serves as a powerful resource for individuals and family members to utilize and draw encouragement from.

Honeybourne, Victoria. The Neurodiverse Classroom: A teacher’s guide to specific learning difficulties and meeting individual student’s needs. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018.

Directly addressing the many difficulties facing both students and educators regarding neurodivergence, Honeybourne focuses on helping facilitate a safe productive learning environment for neurodivergent individuals. A great tool for educator at all levels, Honeybourne gives guidance to schools and educators on helpful techniques to improve the learning experience for neurodivergent individuals and in doing so creating a safe learning environment for all. Honeybourne incorporates new and exciting innovations to learning that gives students and educators a rejuvenated outlook on learning in the classroom. With the growing numbers of individuals that qualify as neurodivergent, educators utilizing this resource can have a huge impact on the unbalanced support neurodivergent students receive in the classroom.

Skolnick, Julie F. Gifted and distractible: Understanding, supporting, and advocating for your twice exceptional child. New York, New York: TarcherPerigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2023.

A book that serves as a tool of understanding, Skolnick gives a researched supported account of the many challenges and misconceptions neurodivergent individual face on a daily.  With multiple sources of data, Skolnick gives a detailed account of the variety of circumstances and situations that make up the neurodivergent community. The book highlights how so many misconceptions and labels, are not only damaging but false. Skolnick, by her detailed efforts, emphasizes how truly amazing the capabilities neurodivergent individuals have and how that is the lens we should be looking through.

Soto Rodriguez, Gloria M., and Carole Zangari. Practically speaking: Language, literacy, and academic development for students with AAC needs. Baltimore, Md: Brookes Publishing; 1st edition Paul H. Brookes Publishing, 2009.

A communication guide covering all student age groups k-12, this book is a must have guide for educators dealing with neurodivergent individuals in the classroom. This book breaks down the critical needs for neurodivergent students inside the classroom and helps to guide educators on how to meet those needs. Facilitated with a combination of research and strategy, this book unlocks an abundance of communication opportunities between student and educator that was once considered unachievable. With the guidance of this educator support tool, educators can instill assist in instilling confidence in neurodivergent students and grant them autonomy over their learning journey.