Cover Image: A Hidden Force

A Hidden Force

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Member Reviews

People have been hearing neurodiversity a lot lately as if it's something new. I'm glad that a lot of information is coming to light especially when it revolves around the workforce because people have to understand those with a neurodivergence have a lot to offer in the workforce.

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I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing this book.

This was an interesting read and the first I've read about this topic. It was interesting, informative and quite elaborate. It was a bit dry reading at times, but very informative. It had a hopeful and positive vibe that I appreciated even though I remain more skeptical about whether companies will actually adapt to be more neuroinclusive at work.

The book tackles the history of the different types of neurodivergence as well as emergence of the term neurodivergent and then how companies started focusing on it. That part is followed by more focus on what companies can do to make the most of their teams and why it's important to focus on diverse teams. The book is mostly aimed at companies and managers and I found it had less tips and focus for employees themselves, although there was a bit of that. While the focus seemed to be on what neurodivergent people could contribute to workplaces and teams, I also appreciated how the author didn't diminish the challenges and struggles of neurodivergent people.

I also would've liked a bit more explanations/ reminders about the different types of neurodivergent people. While I know not every person within a neurotype is the same or even those with the same label can be quite different, I sometimes had a hard time remembering what all the terms meant or envision the type of struggles and accommodations that would be helpful for specific people within that group.

While I liked the broad approach of the book I would've liked a few more concrete examples of how companies adjusted their workspace for neurodivergent people. I appreciated how the author focused on the diversity both among neurodivergent and neurotypical people and how no two individuals needs are the same. I thought this was a very beautiful and inclusive approach, but at the same time I would've liked to see more examples of what this actually looks like and see how companies handled this for specific employees just to get an idea of the type of changes companies make to accommodate neurodivergents.

To summarize: This is a well written and informative read about neurodivergence in the work place. I learned a lot about the topic and I enjoyed reading it. The book could be a bit dry at times, but I thought it a very informative read. This book is mostly aimed at companies and managers, less for the employees, but I think this book could still be worth a read for those as well. I would've liked a few more specific examples of what changes for neurodivergent people in the workplace could look like to better visualize these changes. On the other hand I appreciated the diverse and inclusive vibe of the book that focuses on how everyone is different and companies have to look at their actual employees to see which changes they could make or which tools to offer. Even though I am a bit more cynical about whether companies will actually make these changes, I liked how this book has a positive and hopeful vibe and paints an optimistic picture of what the future of work could look like to be more neurodivergent.

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This is a well-written book about the importance of understanding what neurodiversity and neurodivergency is, the benefits of being neurodivergent, the challenges faced, and great ideas for how workplaces can be more inclusive of neurodivergent employees.

A lot of the information in the book wasn't new and can be found in other books. That's not to say there isn't value in this one; the examples provided, the references to well-known individuals who are neurodiverse are useful, and quite simply, the writing style of this author may be more appealing than the writing styles of other authors.

One aspect I was disappointed in was the reference to Hans Asperger and his work on autism, but no inclusion of Asperger being aligned with Nazis and collaborating in the murder of children with disabilities under the Third Reich. Instead, the references to him somewhat place him on a pedestal, which really isn't great.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions are entirely my own.

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This book was full of interesting interviews and stories of neurodivergent people in the workplace. It was a very well researched compilation, history, and future look at utilizing neurodiversity in the workplace and harnessing the potential.

It was not light reading. It read a bit like a college text book. I expected a book highlighting various neurodivergent needs and accommodations and how as leaders, we can recognize those needs and the benefits of accommodating them. Those bits are in there, but not in a way that’s easily accessible and digestible - possibly this is because I am neurodivergent myself.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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