Neurodiversity and Mental Health

by Etain Quigley (Editor), Andrew Eddy (Editor), Timothy Frawley (Editor), Charlotte Valeur (Editor), Blánaid Gavin (Editor)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032801988
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Series:	Neurodiversity
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

'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 

From the Publisher