Neurodiversity Archives — THINKING PERSON'S GUIDE TO AUTISM

Photo of a rainbow arching over a green field.

Three Ways Differential Diagnosis Can Be Neurodiversity-Affirming

February 26, 2026 • By Sara Eileen O’Neil Woods, PhD

When done well, differential diagnosis can counteract rather than reproduce the power imbalances that have historically led to marginalizing neurodivergent people.

Photo of Shannon Rosa, Carol Greenburg, and Eric Garcia, taken next to a framed photo of Steve at his memorial service.

About That Mensch, Steve Silberman, and How Much We Miss Him

January 22, 2026 • By Shannon Des Roches Rosa

Any of you who knew Steve, any of you who met him, know he was a well of bottomless compassion. I still can’t believe he’s gone. And I’m so sorry.

Graphic with a pale celadon background, titled Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom: PEACE. The top half of a circle is portioned info five wedges, each with a different color background and a neurodiversity infinity symbol in the center. From left to right, the wedges have different colored backgrounds and text reading: Purple: 1) Provide curricula that celebrates diversity Yellow: 2) Embrace differences/maximize strengths Tan: 3) Accommodate sensory needs Green: 4) Collaborate with Students on Discipline Pink: 5) Enhance Executive Functioning At the bottom is a black bar with white text reading, "Sara Woods PhD"

How to Create a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom

January 5, 2025 • By Sara Woods, PhD

Promoting a neurodiversity-affirming classroom amidst the struggles of today’s educational system is not easy, but taking some of these practical steps can make a big difference for students

Self portrait of Steve Silberman, drawn on an iPad using the Zen Brush app.

Remembering Steve Silberman: TPGA Editor Shannon Rosa on the Noncompliant Podcast

December 4, 2024 • By Shannon Des Roches Rosa

Steve Silberman pivoted the public conversation away from the objectification of autistics and towards centering autistic voices, plus he was just a mensch. Anne Borden King and Shannon Rosa discuss his neurodiversity legacy.

An Explanation for Cross-Neurotype Communication Snafus: Relevance Theory

September 18, 2024 • By Gemma L. Williams

Relevance theory explains why things that may be very obvious for an autistic person may not be obvious for a non-autistic person, and vice versa.

Neurodiversity Is About Everyone

July 27, 2024 • By Sonny Hallett

Neurodiversity is a vital concept, and understanding the difference between neurodiverse and neurodivergent is much more important than just splitting hairs over linguistics. Here is a comic explainer.

Illustration of colored-in shapes created by a field of intersecting lines, in a rainbow of colors.

On Talking With Neurotypicals: Helpful Hints for Autistics

June 18, 2024 • By Javan

Trying to talk with neurotypicals can be a real pain. We all know what often happens, right? Confusion and misunderstandings. Sometimes even hurt feelings. Let’s be honest: It’s practically impossible to talk with neurotypicals, even about the simplest things, without offending them in some way.