Neurodivergent, By Nature

Complex and revelatory * BBC Wildlife *
Fascinating and necessary. A timely and interesting study of the value and meaning of “nature” to neurodivergent personalities. – Richard Smyth * New Scientist *
A clarion call to embrace neurodiversity in the fight against the extinction crisis. * Patrick Barkham, The Guardian *
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 *
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 *

Joe Harkness was a naturalist and writer from Norfolk. He wrote features for many publications, including The Guardian, iNews, BBC Wildlife, Birdwatching, and Birdwatch. He also shared his passion for nature on television and radio, including BBC Winterwatch and BBC Radio 4.

His first book, Bird Therapy, was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. His second narrative, Neurodivergent, by Nature, was shortlisted for the 2026 Wainwright Prize for Writing on Conservation and shortlisted for the 2025 East Anglian Book Awards in the General Non-fiction category.

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