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Neurodivergent, By Nature

Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

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Neurodivergent, By Nature

By: Joe Harkness
Narrated by: Joe Harkness
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Bloomsbury presents Neurodivergent, By Nature, written and read by Joe Harkness

Exploring the connections between nature and neurodiversity

Time in nature supports our wellbeing. If we are neurodivergent, it can stimulate our senses, feed our curiosity and help us find others with the same deep interests. But why do natural environments have such profound effects?

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in his thirties, Joe Harkness began to question whether his bond with nature was intrinsic to his neurodivergence or something developed through his life choices. Keen to know more, he connected with other neurodivergent people who share his passion for the natural world. Threading their stories with his own, Joe explores why they chose to seek diagnosis, the ways they find solace and understanding through nature, and what led many of them into nature-related careers.

Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Joe highlights the creativity, skills and passion that can benefit communities, schools and workplaces when neurodiversity is welcomed and supported in all its forms.©2025 Joe Harkness (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature People with Disabilities Personal Development Science
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Critic reviews

Complex and revelatory
Fascinating and necessary. A timely and interesting study of the value and meaning of “nature” to neurodivergent personalities. (Richard Smyth)
A clarion call to embrace neurodiversity in the fight against the extinction crisis.
A persuasive and passionate book that explains the vitally important connections to be made with nature that can radically improve neurodivergent lives (and everyone else's too).
A fascinating insight into how nature works for neurodivergent folk, and how neurodivergent folk work for nature. What a wonderful symbiosis.
A fascinating and necessary book. Joe Harkness captures the deep connection between neurodivergent people and the natural world.
Truly enlightening – I learned such a lot.
A humane and timely perspective into our relationship with the natural world. Joe Harkness writes with a rare authority and insight. The scales should fall from all our eyes.
A thoughtful, well-researched and very powerful call for diversity and inclusivity, for the benefit of both people and nature.
As valuable as it is timely ... this open and honest presentation of real human stories makes for an informative read that anybody can enjoy.
Harkness writes movingly about how the rhythm of the seasons, and the predictability of the natural environment, act as a balm for those who are neurodivergent.
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book. I love nature and really helped me understand why I find it so important for my mental health as someone who is neurodivergent. Thankyou

Brilliant read, really helped my understanding

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This must have been a mammoth task - so many angles covered that I hadn’t even grasped. The book delved into the root of issues and captured a myriad of different life experiences examining their similar and distinctive characteristics/ nuances . I think this is a must read for anyone affected by neuro-spicy people (which has to mean everyone, right?) not just those in conservation. Thank you.

Hugely insightful

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So lovely to hear Joes new book. So insightful and grounding. Great that he gave a shout out to Group B! On to the next one Joe 🤞

Calm and reassuring

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I loved this book from the first few minutes of listening. As a teacher, wildlife artist and habitat monitor, I listened wearing a few different 'hats' as the book took me on a journey of the lives of neurodivergent people working in the nature conservation sector, their educational experiences and how, despite barriers, they have found and built on their connections to nature, working in essential roles.
Brilliantly narrated.

A thought provoking and important book.

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There seemed to be quite a bit of self deprecation at the beginning and end. Thoughts that naturally cross the mind, I’d imagine, when writing a book, but it’s more suited to a personal diary than here.

It was good to hear about others experiences in the sector and it’s certainly helped me tweak my job search and interview techniques. I also found it helpful knowing what others use to cope in the sector for my current day job (AuDHD Env specialist).

The bits about neurodivergent people in the conservation sector was good

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