Recommended Reading

Books to Inspire, Inform, and Empower

Explore a curated selection of books that provide valuable insights into neurodivergent experiences, strengths, and challenges, as well as strategies for fostering inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

Each recommendation includes a brief overview highlighting key takeaways and why it’s worth adding to your library.

Learning from Neurodivergent Leaders by Dr. Nancy Doyle

Unlocking the Power of Neurodivergent Leadership
Traditional leadership models often overlook the strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Nancy Doyle challenges this norm, offering a fresh, empowering perspective in Learning from Neurodivergent Leaders.

This book provides:
Firsthand Experiences – Real stories from neurodivergent leaders navigating professional spaces.

Actionable Strategies – Practical tools to help neurodivergent individuals lead with confidence.

Inclusive Leadership Insights – A roadmap for organizations to foster neurodivergent-friendly workplaces.

Key Takeaways
Harnessing Neurodivergent Strengths
Instead of masking, learn to leverage your natural talents for leadership success.

Clean Feedback Method
A game-changing communication tool that separates observation from interpretation for clearer, more effective conversations.

Thriving in Corporate Spaces
Gain strategies to navigate leadership roles in environments that may not always accommodate diverse cognitive styles.

A Call to Action for Inclusion
This book isn’t just for neurodivergent professionals—it’s for leaders, HR teams, and organizations seeking to create truly inclusive workplaces.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
If you are a neurodivergent professional, this book provides the insights and tools to help you succeed without sacrificing your authentic self.

If you are a leader or manager, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to support and empower neurodivergent talent.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace, this book offers a framework for fostering diversity at all levels.

NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman

A Comprehensive Exploration of Autism's Past and Present
NeuroTribes provides an insightful perspective on autism, challenging conventional views and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.

This book provides:
In-Depth Historical Analysis –A thorough examination of autism's history, revealing both the challenges and triumphs faced by the neurodivergent community.

Personal Narratives – Engaging stories that humanize the autistic experience, fostering empathy and awareness.

Advocacy for Inclusion –Insights into the neurodiversity movement, promoting acceptance and support for individuals who think differently.

Key Takeaways
Redefining Autism
Instead of masking, learn to leverage your natural talents for leadership success.

Historical Insights
The book delves into the lives of pioneers like Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner, uncovering their contributions and controversies in autism research.

The Neurodiversity Movement
NeuroTribes highlights the rise of neurodiversity advocates, emphasizing the importance of societal acceptance and accommodation for autistic individuals.

Impactful Storytelling
Through compelling narratives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the autistic community.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
If you're seeking a comprehensive understanding of autism, this book offers a well-researched and engaging exploration of its history and cultural impact.

If you're a parent, educator, or professional, NeuroTribes provides valuable insights to better support and appreciate neurodivergent individuals.

If you're interested in social justice and inclusion, this work sheds light on the importance of embracing cognitive diversity in all areas of society.

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Dr. Devon Price

Embrace Your Authentic Self
Unmasking Autism delves into the often-overlooked practice of masking among Autistic individuals, offering a path toward self-acceptance and genuine living.

This book provides:
Personal Narratives– Dr. Price shares his own experiences and those of others, shedding light on the hidden struggles of masking.

Historical and Social Context– An exploration of the societal pressures that lead to masking and the impact on mental health.

Practical Guidance– Exercises and strategies to help Autistic individuals unmask and embrace their true selves.

Key Takeaways
Understanding Masking
Learn how Autistic people often conceal their traits to fit societal norms, and the toll this takes on well-being.

Pathways to Unmasking
Engage with practical exercises designed to foster self-expression and authenticity.

Redefining Neurodiversity
Challenge conventional views by recognizing Autism as a natural variation in human experience.

Building Inclusive Communities
Discover ways to cultivate environments that celebrate neurodiversity and support unmasked living.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
If you're an Autistic individual seeking self-understanding, this book offers compassionate insights and tools for embracing your identity.

If you're a friend, family member, or professional, gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges of masking and how to support unmasking.

If you're an advocate for inclusivity, this work provides a framework for fostering acceptance and authentic living.

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

The Groundbreaking Book That Reframed What It Means to Be Smart
Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence helped launch a global conversation about what truly drives success—not just in our careers, but in our relationships, communities, and sense of self. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-world examples, Goleman showed that skills like self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation are just as essential—if not more so—than IQ or technical ability. While Goleman didn’t invent the concept of emotional intelligence or the EQ-i 2.0 assessment, his work popularized the idea and helped create broader recognition of emotional intelligence as a measurable, trainable skill.

This book provides:
Scientific Insight -A research-backed explanation of how emotions shape thinking, behavior, and decision-making.

Everyday Relevance –Examples from work, education, parenting, and relationships that show EQ in action.

A Complete Framework –Breaks EQ into five core components: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skill.

Key Takeaways
EQ Drives Real-World Success
Emotional intelligence is often a stronger predictor of effectiveness and leadership than IQ.

EQ is for Everyone
Both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals can benefit from building emotional intelligence to support growth, communication, and connection.

EQ Can Be Cultivated
Emotional intelligence isn’t fixed—it can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
If you are neurodivergent ,this book offers valuable insights into managing emotions and relationships in ways that align with your strengths.,

If you are a leader or manager,you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how emotional intelligence supports trust, collaboration, and strong leadership.

If you want to build meaningful personal or professional relationships , this book offers a foundational understanding of how emotions impact human connection.

The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging by Dr. Ludmila Praslova

A Transformative Look at Neurodiversity in the Workplace
The Canary Code challenges the status quo of workplace culture by centering neurodivergent experiences and reframing distress as a signal of environmental mismatch—not individual deficit. Dr. Ludmila Praslova blends research, personal narrative, and organizational insight to guide readers toward building equitable, inclusive systems that honor all minds.

This book provides:
Systemic Insight –A clear explanation of how exclusionary structures create unnecessary barriers for neurodivergent individuals in professional spaces.

Lived Experience and Examples –Real stories from neurodivergent professionals that highlight both the challenges and the possibilities for change.

Strategies for Inclusion –Practical tools and frameworks to help leaders and organizations build environments rooted in dignity, flexibility, and psychological safety.

Key Takeaways
Rethinking Workplace “Fit”
Neurodivergent distress is often a sign of systemic dysfunction. By addressing these signals, we improve conditions for everyone.

Centering Intersectionality
Neurodiversity cannot be separated from other identities. Meaningful inclusion must consider race, gender, disability, and other overlapping experiences.

Empowerment Through System Design
Rather than trying to “fix” individuals, The Canary Code calls for redesigning systems to support diverse ways of thinking, working, and leading.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
For better understanding of how workplace systems affect neurodivergent people,this book offers both insight and practical solutions.

If you're a leader, HR professional, or consultant, it provides a framework for redesigning culture through a lens of equity and belonging.

If you're committed to creating inclusive environments, this book is a must-read for rethinking how we define success, leadership, and support in the modern workplace.

The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success by Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book

Build the Skills That Help You Thrive—At Work, in Relationships, and Within Yourself
The EQ Edge explores how emotional intelligence (EQ) impacts success across all areas of life—offering a practical, evidence-based guide to building the emotional skills that matter most. Grounded in the EQ-i 2.0 model (which I offer as part of my coaching process), this book helps readers understand what EQ is, why it matters, and how to apply it for greater confidence, resilience, and connection. While not written specifically for neurodivergent individuals, The EQ Edge provides valuable tools for anyone—neurodivergent or neurotypical—looking to reduce emotional friction, improve communication, and navigate life more intentionally.

This book provides:
Clear Explanations– Breaks down core emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness, empathy, impulse control, and flexibility.

Real-Life Examples – Highlights how EQ impacts leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and well-being.

Practical Tools–Includes exercises and reflection prompts to help you strengthen EQ over time and apply it in real-world settings.

Key Takeaways
Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Learn how emotional intelligence affects your decisions, relationships, and ability to manage stress—at work and beyond.

Developing Emotional Skills
EQ isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill set that can be learned, practiced, and refined.

Stronger Connections
Emotional intelligence fosters trust, empathy, and clarity in your communication with others.

Why Add This Book to Your Library?
If you're exploring your own personal growth, this book provides the structure and tools to build emotional strength and insight.

If you're a leader or HR professionaI, The EQ Edge offers practical ways to improve team dynamics, performance, and trust.

If you're neurodivergent or an ally, this book can help you navigate emotions, relationships, and work-life with greater ease and success.

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At MindThrive Coaching, we are passionate about reading and learning. We only recommend books that we have personally read and found valuable. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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