From 16-20 March, the Sainsbury Library will be marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 with a book display in the Lower Reading Room. Focusing on self-help titles and practical skills to support academic development, the display complements the neurodiversity-related books in our Wellbeing Collection, located in the Annexe.
To further celebrate this week, two drop-in crafting sessions will be held in the Annexe, where participants can create bookmarks and fidget toys using paper collage, beads, and wool. These sessions will take place on Tuesday 17th March, 1-4pm, and Thursday 19th March, 1-4pm.
Summaries of the books in the display can be found below. All featured materials can be accessed via the links below (Oxford SSO required) or in person at our display in the Lower Reading Room:
Neurodiversity:
The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity: “In this simple guide, expert speaker and trainer Daniel Aherne provides a clear introduction to neurodiversity and the four most common neurodivergent identities of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Using an analogy of a cactus needing a desert to grow in, he emphasises the importance of getting the environment right for neurodivergent people, rather than expecting them to adapt to the neurotypical world.”
The Double Empathy Reader: Exploring Theory, Neurodivergent Lived Experience and Implications for Practice: “This comprehensive handbook explores Damian Milton’s ‘double empathy problem’: the breakdown in mutual understanding that can happen between any two people yet is more likely to occur when people of differing dispositions attempt to interact. It challenges the traditional view that, in exchanges between autistic and non-autistic people, this breakdown was simply the result of autistic people being inherently deficient in empathy.”
Do I Know You?: A Faceblind Reporter’s Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination: “A lively blend of personal narrative and popular science, Do I Know You? is the story of one unusual mind’s attempt to understand itself – and a fascinating exploration of the remarkable breadth of human experience.”
Unmasking Leadership: Neurodivergent Leaders, Psychological Safety, and the Future of Inclusive Workplaces: “By the end of this book, you will have the language, frameworks, and confidence to design inclusive cultures, support neurodivergent teams, and lead in a way that does not cost you your wellbeing. You will understand how to unmask safely, set boundaries that support your energy, and lead from a place of honesty rather than performance. Most importantly, you will see that leadership can be more human, more sustainable, and more aligned with who you are.”
Spectrum of success: how embracing neurodiversity can revolutionize your business: “Through fascinating research and inspiring interviews with neurodiverse business leaders, mental health expert Thomas Duncan Bell uncovers how we can support and champion neurodiversity at work and beyond. Drawing upon his own experiences with ADHD and bipolar disorder, the book also offers an enlightening insight into how neurodiverse individuals can thrive in the modern world.”
Great minds think unalike : the benefits of ADHD, autism, dyslexia and OCD: “Whether you already have a diagnosis or simply feel you’re somewhere on the neuroatypical spectrum, one thing is certain: once you’ve identified your unique talents, you’ll be able to make more focused choices in your life and work. You’ll discover which jobs best showcase your talents, which colleagues complement your personality, and which environments and corporate cultures are right for you.”
Dyslexia:
Academic Writing and Dyslexia: A Visual Guide to Writing at University: “Fully revised and expanded, this book presents a unique visual approach to academic writing and composition tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia in Higher Education. It will help you to successfully structure and articulate your ideas, get to grips with critical reading, thinking and writing and fulfil your full academic potential.”
Studying with Dyslexia: “Full of practical advice and visual examples, this compact book provides learners with the tools and knowledge to work with their dyslexia. The book’s accessible layout and engaging style supports students with dyslexia and enables them to take control of their studies and learn in ways that are most effective for them.”
ADHD:
Is It My ADHD?: Navigating Life as a Neurodivergent Adult: “Darkly funny, relatable and unflinchingly honest, Is it My ADHD? gives irreverent and intersectional insight into what life is like for women living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.”
How to Thrive with Adult ADHD: 7 Pillars for Focus, Productivity and Balance: “As a leading adult ADHD psychiatrist, who himself has ADHD, Dr James Kustow passionately believes that the goal should not be to just ‘manage’ ADHD, but to thrive with it. This ground-breaking book will allow you to assess if and how the condition affects you, mapping your unique ‘ADHD signature’, before leading you through a seven-pillar plan of small but powerful habit changes.”
Autism:
University, the Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive: “Starting university is a daunting experience for any student, especially if this includes moving away from home for the first time. This helpful, informative and friendly handbook is a guide to starting university for autistic young people, covering the entire process from applying, packing and financial admin to mental health support, dealing with burnout, finding your people and experiencing new opportunities.”
Unmasking Autism: The Power of Embracing Our Hidden Neurodiversity: “Blending cutting-edge research, personal insights and practical exercises for self-expression, Dr Devon Price examines the phenomenon of ‘masking’, making a passionate argument for radical authenticity and non-conformity. A powerful call for change, Unmasking Autism gifts its readers with the tools to uncover their true selves and build a new society – one where everyone can thrive on their own terms.”
For more resources, see our posts about other recent book displays.