Neurospicy & Not Alone: My Favorite Resources for Neurodivergent Folks

Living with a neurodivergent brain — whether you’re Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or somewhere beautifully in between — can be a lot. It’s magical and maddening, and often messy in the middle.

I created this post as a little lifeline: a curated list of things that have helped me feel seen, supported, and a little less alone in the weirdness. These resources aren’t prescriptive — they’re permission slips, rabbit holes, soft landings. Some are practical. Some are emotional. All are neurodivergent-approved. 🫶

📚 Books That Made Me Cry, Laugh, or Just Feel Seen

 “Unmasking Autism” by Dr. Devon Price:

A game-changer. This book helped me understand my own masking behaviors and how to gently unlearn them. Written by an Autistic author who gets it.

 

“ADHD 2.0” by Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey

A grounded look at ADHD from experts who treat it like a difference, not a disease. Bonus: they write with actual compassion.

 

"Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You" by Jenara NerenbergEspecially great if you’re a late-diagnosed woman or nonbinary person who always felt “off” in neurotypical spaces. Validating and easy to read.

 

 "Odd Girl Out: My Extraordinary Autistic Life: by Laura James

An Autistic woman’s memoir that’s raw, beautifully written, and gently eye-opening.

🎙️ Podcasts I Binge While Making Thingys

Autistic After Hours with Ashra Louisa:

Deep dives into autistic identity and lived experience. Feels like a cozy, honest chat with the neurodivergent friend you wish you had in high school.

 

ADHD ReWired with Eric Tivers

Part education, part support group, part “wait did they read my mind?” This one focuses a lot on productivity with kindness.

 

Beautiful Anonymous with Chris Gethard

Not explicitly neurodivergent, but full of human stories that hit in the deep feelings zone. I listen when I need to cry-while-crafting or crave connection.

 

🌐 Websites & Online Spaces to Explore

I'm Autistic, Now What? (YouTube) with Meg X - a relatable, educational channel that breaks down autism and neurodivergence with honesty, humor, and real-life insight.

✨ How to ADHD (YouTube): Hosted by the wonderful Jessica McCabe, this channel is full of easy-to-digest ADHD tips, explainer videos, and a huge community vibe.

🌀 Neuroclastic: By and for Autistic people. Their articles dig deep into identity, education, healthcare, and lived experience. Inclusive and affirming.

🛑 Embrace Autism: Resources, research, and quizzes (including the RAADS-R and AQ tests if you’re self-exploring). Science-forward, but people-centered.

🤝 Support Groups, Communities & Orgs

🫶 AuDHD Support Discords & Facebook Groups: There are so many great ones! I recommend searching “AuDHD support” or “Neurodivergent creatives” on Discord and FB — they’re often private for safety, but worth requesting access.

🧷 The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): A nonprofit run by Autistic people advocating for disability rights, accessibility, and public policy.

🌈 Neurodivergent Mutual Aid & Meetups:  Check out local organizations or use Meetup.com to find sensory-friendly events, queer‑ND spaces, and craft nights with people who get it. Chicago is full of gems.

Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE): a nonprofit that supports autistic and neurodivergent individuals, families, and professionals through education, community, and resources designed to help people build meaningful, connected lives.

 

🧘 Wellness Tools That Actually Help Me Function

🧠 Insight Timer: Meditation + affirmations + sleep stories that don’t feel cheesy. I use this when I need a sensory reset or mental pause.

📱 Tiimo: Turns to-dos into doable plans with visual timelines, AI task breakdown, and executive function support. 

Fidget Toys: I lean towards small plushies I can squish

🎧Bose Quiet Comfort Noise-canceling headphones helps soften overwhelming noise and create a calm, focused space where my AuDHD brain can actually settle.

Life-changing. Literal life-changing.

 

💌 Final Thoughts

The best “resource” I’ve found? Other neurodivergent people.

Whether it’s a funny TikTok, a long email exchange, or someone sharing their meltdown recovery routine—it’s the connection that counts.

You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re not weird (or okay, maybe you are, but in the best way). You’re part of a big, creative, complicated community. And there’s a lot of love here.

Got a fave resource? Send it my way—I’m always collecting shiny new brain tools. 🧠✨