Neurodiversity and Mental Health

Neurodiversity and Mental Health presents an evidenced-based and theoretically informed guide on effective, impactful strategies for collaborative advancement in the area of neurodiversity and mental health in terms of health care services and other social and political institutions.

Moving beyond generic approaches and assumptions about neurodivergence the contributors demonstrate strategic priorities that optimise outcomes for co-occurring mental health challenges and neurodivergence. The book synthesises the prevailing ideas, sets the cultural and scientific context and provides a useful resource for individuals and services to signpost necessary changes. Drawing together the international literature on co-occurring mental illness and neurodivergence, it pinpoints exemplars of best practice and provides a roadmap for further research and service innovation.

Neurodiversity and Mental Health will be essential reading for any practitioner, student, or scholar seeking to understand how mental health challenges and neurodiversity co-occur, and how to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.

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.