How to handle neurotypicals: A field survival guide for the neurodivergent

Ugggh! Not what I was looking for. I wanted some guide to situations that are common to neurodivergence as these sometimes get in my way. Instead, much of the book is this rambling semi-coherent rant about how "Awful" neurotypical people are -one that would make Joaquin Phoenix's The Joker proud. While I don't deny the existence of people who fit that description it certainly is not the humanity I've tried to know and understand. Indeed, the attitude reflected in this book is kind of toxic and limiting almost as if written by a troll pretending to be on the spectrum with the intention of inciting more conflict. The whole us-versus-them attitude expressed throughout the text is very much part of the problem.Admittedly, there are a few points scattered about the books pages that do help me understand the neurotypical experience when interacting with folks like myself, and some are even points I had not considered previously. These however are drowned out with what appears to be the Author's delusions of grandeur at "representing" "a tribe". He talks as if we all get each other. It reminds me of like this creep back in college who tried to be "buddy buddy" with me when I missed the social cues from other people in my hall as to what he was actually up to. (For the record I DID have some NT friends who were able to clue me in). Again speaking for myself THE AUTHOR DOES NOT REPRESENT ME. In fact, I am kind of embarrassed to have any association with the author.Honestly, most books on this subject actually suck even worse so thus my 2 stars.

While I do not believe that this book is a fair assessment of all neurotypicals (or all neurodivergents), the author does offer some helpful advise on how to deal with narcissistic personalities.

Being deliberately under the radar, as a quietly gifted adult, a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP and an empath, I am publicly sharing this review on my husband’s account. I share this review on behalf of my fellow long suffering intelligently gifted friends around the globe.Over here, I have two big thumbs up for Abel Abelson’s survival book. The two thumbs I have are rarely popped up on both of my hands. This is because it is rare for me to read a book like this ~ a book for the intelligently gifted that summarizes a full range of emotions and explanations that finally makes sense to me.Over the past two decades, I have read many books and websites on the topic of intelligently gifts, seen a talk therapist who specializes in gifted adults, and looked for and found only a few intelligently gifted adults to commiserate with in person. For me, this books provides a coming together of all that I have learned about being gifted, and was still puzzled about.Thank you Abel!

As a neurodivergent person, this book helped me understand quite a bit more about neurotypicals and how to survive in a world overpopulated with them.

very validating and relatable for us atypicals. im autistic and the only thing i dont agree is tha he lumps autists w/ having a small mental bubble, but not all of us are like this. i guess "higher-functioning" ones like me have a larger field bubble, at least i do; im interested in so many things!i also have to say the vitriol in it was delicious, so funny! lol. its better to laugh than cry i guess.very helpful and along w/ ian ford's "a field guide to neurotypicals" , i highly recommend this book for any neuroatypicals out there

tl;dr What a load of judgmental crap.I'm one of the dreaded normies, trying to read this book to understand the perspective of my two neurodivergent kids. According to the author, there is no way that I could ever understand my kids, much less have a positive influence on them. Even taking into account the use of exaggeration and sarcasm to make a point, the author's perception of the neurotypical is basically a bunch of low IQ individuals who only care about themselves, and couldn't possibly understand, much less contribute to the world around them. There are precious few good things to be said about them in this book. The book talks a lot about perception of reality and size of mental bubbles, but this author's view is limited and his mental bubble isn't big enough to include neurotypicals who are actively trying to make the world a better place.

Just started reading this book and so far I'm laughing and nodding passionately. Abel nails it. Thank you so much for writing this and being HONEST about what it's like to be HSP neurodivergent in a zombie-normie-dominated world.

This book will save lives directly and indirectly.

Before reading this book I was concerned about the credibility of the author based on their bio and the lack of scientific basis for the content. I should have trusted my instincts. I cannot recommend a book that suggests preparing for violence in any circumstances.

The sections on the Personal Laws and Survival Rules are very interesting and I shall be printing them up...Thoroughly recommend this book..It is sometimes geared in the North American cultural mileau..

Brings clarity to Neuro divergents of the apparent randomeness and illogical behaviour and double speak of Neuro typicals. Look forward to a follow up book 😁

Thank you. Brilliantly written- brutally honest. This book is the game changer.

works like perfect and came 1-day early, thanks muchly :)