FSA Book Club: Autism is Not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity

****////////EVENT POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 2025////////****
To complete our tetralogy of four books: June 2024 and July 2024: Neurotribes by Steve Silberman, October 2024: Empire of Normality by Robert Chapman, November 2024: Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker, we will read and discuss Jodie Hare's "Autism is Not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity" for March 2025***.*** There is much overlap among the four books mentioned above and it is fitting to finish the tetralogy with Autism is Not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity. This meeting is a combined meeting between Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults and our autistic/allistic alliance group, Full Spectrum Agency Friends and Family Group.

As with all of our book clubs, do not feel that you must have read the whole book (or even part of the book) to attend—just come with whatever you have. Engage in and enjoy a free-form discussion based around the themes of the book. Participation is not required! :)

ABOUT Autism is Not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity

How to build a fairer, more neuro-inclusive society

Neurodiversity is one of the most urgent political issues of our time. As the number of diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and other types of neurodivergence rises, we are starting to understand that there is no such thing as a 'normal' brain. But society is still organised around neuronormativity, and autism is treated as a disease.

Jodie Hare, diagnosed with autism at twenty-three, argues it is time to redefine the politics of who we are. She calls for the recognition of diversity as part of natural variation, rather than a departure from sameness. This will have an impact on the places where we learn, work, and socialise - and Hare shows how these can be adapted to be more inclusive and accessible. She shows how we might commit to building a world where we can all thrive, one that works to combat discrimination based on race, class, gender, and disability.

Book Reviews
"A fascinating exploration of the politics of neurodiversity. Hare has delivered a persuasive and inspiring manifesto that calls on us all to rethink what it really means to be 'normal'."

—Grace Blakeley, author of Vulture Capitalism

"A formidable contribution to neurodiversity movement. Sharp, accessible and unflinchingly radical, this book is perfect for those who are looking for a political introduction to neurodiversity. It also makes a unique contribution to the conversation in its own right. Thoroughly cited, Hare makes links between a wide range of revolutionary thinkers and movements to politicise an issue that is being increasingly co-opted under neoliberal capitalism. It is the perfect book to meet this political moment, and helps us see that neurodiversity is connected to all of our liberation struggles."
—Micah Frazer-Carroll, author of Mad World

"A perfect foundational book encouraging us to challenge misconceptions we have on neurodiversity."
—Beauty Dhlamini, Red Pepper

"Hare advocates for a more neuro-inclusive view, in which societies don’t just recognize but embrace natural variation and improve access to accommodations."
—CJ Connor, Book Riot

"A primer on both neurodivergence and the wider need for disability rights."
—Katharine Quarmby, The Tablet

About the Author
Jodie Hare was diagnosed with autism at twenty-three years old. She has an MA in Modern Languages, Literature, and Culture from King’s College, London. She has written for publications such as Novara Media, Refinery29, and the Huffington Post. She works as a copywriter. She tweets at @jodslouise