Neurodiversity and Mental Health

Etain Quigley, PhD, is a Lecturer in Law at Maynooth University, specialising in neurodiversity, mental health, youth justice, and criminology. She has held Irish Research Council awards, worked on FP7 and H2020 projects, and serves on Mental Health Tribunals. She is also a co-founding editor of Neurodiversity.Andrew Eddy is the co-founder of the Neurodiversity Hub community of practice, working with universities and employers to facilitate neurodivergent higher education students become more work-ready and increase their employment opportunities. Andrew is retired but continues his interest in neurodiversity and advocating for more inclusive workplaces and learning spaces.Timothy Frawley, PhD, is Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at UCD. A registered psychiatric nurse and educator, he has held leadership roles in curriculum development, governance, and research. His work focuses on neurodiversity, nursing governance, and service user involvement.Charlotte Valeur is an investment banker, FTSE Chair, published author and professor in governance and leadership, with a wealth of board experience across many sectors. A lifelong human rights advocate, Charlotte is driven to play her part in creating an inclusive society, advocating for equality and inclusion for all. To this effect she also founded the global Institute of Neurodiversity ION in 2021. Blánaid Gavin, PhD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has worked clinically with children and teenagers for over 20 years. She is particularly interested in expanding understanding in relation to child and adolescent mental health. To this end she has been involved in teaching and research focused on optimising outcomes for young people. She specialises in the area of ADHD.

'Neurodiversity and Mental Health offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between neurodivergence and mental wellbeing. Bringing together leading voices from research, clinical practice, and lived experience, this volume critically examines how neurodiversity is understood, represented, and supported across diverse contexts. The book unpacks the evolving concept of neurodiversity and traces its origins and contemporary relevance in academic, healthcare, and social spheres.Chapters address key barriers and enablers in accessing appropriate healthcare, shedding light on systemic inequalities and the importance of inclusive, person-centred approaches. The complex relationship between neurodivergence and mental health is examined in particular depth. The book also explores the educational landscape, analysing how schools and universities can foster environments that celebrate cognitive diversity. A final section offers global perspectives, emphasising cultural, social, and policy variations in how neurodiversity is perceived and supported worldwide. One size does not fit all.This essential text is an invaluable resource for students, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing equity and understanding in the fields of neurodiversity and mental health.'Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin'This timely and comprehensive book brings together diverse voices to explore the intersection of neurodivergence and mental health. Drawing on both lived experience and research, it highlights how conditions like ADHD, autism, and DCD are often misunderstood, especially when co-occurring with anxiety or depression. It challenges outdated narratives and addresses the impact of stigma and systemic exclusion. This is a valuable resource for creating more inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming mental health care across the lifespan.'Professor Amanda Kirby, Emeritus Professor, University of South Wales

• Introduction 1. Neurodiversity: Origins, History, Meanings, and Applications 2. Lived Experiences of Mental Health in Autistic Adults: A Narrative Exploration 3. The Challenges of Accessing Healthcare When Autistic 4. Neurodiversity and Mental Health Service Provision 5. Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Co-occurring Mood and Anxiety Disorders 6. Bendy Bodies, Bendy Brains: Neurodiversity and Brain Body Interactions 7. Supporting Neurodivergent Mental Health in Education 8. Understanding College Students and Mental Health Through the Neurodiversity Paradigm 9. Immigrant Population, Neurodiversity and Mental Health in New Zealand 10. Embracing an Evolving Paradigm of Neurodiversity