Neurodivergent, By Nature: Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

by Joe Harkness

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399413367
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	10/07/2025
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.32(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Joe Harkness is a naturalist and writer from Norfolk. He has written features for many publications, including The Guardian, iNews, BBC Wildlife, Birdwatching and Birdwatch. He has also shared his passion for nature on TV shows and radio such as BBC Winterwatch and BBC Radio 4. His first book, Bird Therapy, was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. Joe works in education and currently oversees a sixth form for young people with complex needs.

Table of Contents

Chapter One
No, you're macerating the moth abdomens!
– Introducing neurodiversity and nature

Chapter Two
Dia and Gignoskein
– Seeking diagnosis

Chapter Three
Intolerable tyrants in the dock of the kangaroo court
– Experiences in education

Chapter Four
Hugging a tree for a dopamine fix
– The importance of nature

Chapter Five
More than just the saviour of the orangutan
– The conservation sector

Chapter Six
Out of the box and into the holographic forest
– Strengths

Chapter Seven
Cutting the toe pads off hundreds of dead parrots
– Achievements

Chapter Eight
Are you here to make the tea or take the notes?
– Barriers to access

Chapter Nine
Why is there a lump of multi-coloured playdough on my seat?
– Reasonable adjustments

Chapter Ten
Peeking over the fence to see what next door are up to
– Nature-related NGOs

Chapter Eleven
A rose-tinted perspective on the use of the infographic
– Government agencies

Chapter Twelve
I think I'll eat my lunch in the bat chat corner today
– Smaller conservation charities

Chapter Thirteen
Just give the naughtiest ones a sprig of lavender and a circular saw
– Forest schools and care farms

Chapter Fourteen
Weaving words into golden threads
– Why biodiversity needs neurodiversity

Acknowledgements
Further reading and resources
Index

Editorial Reviews

“A timely and interesting study of the value and meaning of “nature” to neurodivergent personalities.” —Richard Smyth, New Scientist

“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).” —Robin Ince, author of Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal

“A fascinating insight into how nature works for neurodivergent folk, and how neurodivergent folk work for nature. What a wonderful symbiosis.” —Kate Bradbury, author of One Garden Against the World

“A fascinating and necessary book. Joe Harkness captures the deep connection between neurodivergent people and the natural world.” —Katherine May, author of Wintering

“Truly enlightening – I learned such a lot.” —Melissa Harrison, author of Homecoming

“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.” —Jon Dunn, author of The Glitter in the Green

“Fascinating and necessary.” —Richard Smyth, New Scientist

“A thoughtful, well-researched and very powerful call for diversity and inclusivity, for the benefit of both people and nature.” —Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World

“As valuable as it is timely ... this open and honest presentation of real human stories makes for an informative read that anybody can enjoy.” —Buzz Magazine

“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.” —Mail on Sunday

“Harkness is a chatty, enthusiastic guide to a field he knows well, and he speaks with a huge number of people, all with enlightening stories to tell.” —Richard Smyth, New Scientist

From the Publisher