The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Teens - by Rhiannon Theurer (Paperback)

About the Book

Navigating the world as a neurodivergent teen can mean feeling stressed, isolated, pathologized, and overstimulated by intense environments. Written by a neurodivergent therapist, The Neurodivergence Workbook for Teens offers powerful and evidence-based skills drawn from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help teens manage emotional overwhelm, deal with sensory sensitivity, and improve relationships with others.

Book Synopsis

The skills you need to be your best and thrive in an overwhelming world--written by a neurodivergent therapist for neurodivergent teens!

As a neurodivergent teen, you may feel stressed, isolated, and overstimulated by intense environments. You may struggle to make friends, or feel like you are always an outsider or in your "own world." And sometimes, you may even ask yourself, "What's wrong with me?" The truth is there is nothing wrong with you. Your brain is just wired differently than others--although there are plenty of teens out there just like you, too! So, how can you understand your unique brain, make the most of your strengths, and feel empowered to reach your goals?

The Neurodivergence Workbook for Teens offers evidence-based skills drawn from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help you manage emotional overwhelm, deal with sensory sensitivities, and improve your relationships with others. You'll also find tons of fun and engaging skills to help you handle challenging social situations, communicate effectively, explore your special interests and passions, set boundaries, and advocate for your needs.

Discover tips and tools to help you:

• Understand your neurodivergence
• Handle difficult emotions
• Cultivate self-compassion and confidence
• Talk to others about neurodivergence

The world needs all kinds of brains--whether you're ADHD, autistic, gifted, or your own unique combination. With this skills-based guide, you'll learn to harness your own superpowers, and find practical tools for facing all of life's challenges. Why not get started today?

Review Quotes

"TheNeurodivergence Skills Workbook for Teens distills DBT skills into practical action steps, with examples designed to address the specific emotional, sensorial, and interpersonal experiences of neurodivergent youth. Using clear and accessible writing, Theurer nonjudgmentally maintains a neuro-affirming stance of warm acceptance, while at the same time guiding readers in enacting values-consistent changes toward building meaningful and fulfilling lives against the backdrop of a neurotypical world."
--Sara Schmidt, PhD, owner of Middle Path Solutions, and DBT-Linehan board-certified clinician

--Sara Schmidt, PhD,

"Finally! A workbook that centers the experiences of neurodivergent teens! Rhiannon expertly introduces foundational concepts of neurodiversity, while creating an easily accessible balance of psychoeducation, sensory needs, strategy, and tangible tools. The finishing touch of including detailed stories made every concept incredibly relatable. I'm thrilled to share this resource with my teen clients!"
--Jamie D. Roberts, MA, LMFT, director of NeuroPebble Corp, founder of Equilibrium Counseling Services, and author of Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety and Neurodiversity for Teen Girls

--Jamie D. Roberts, MA, LMFT

"Rhiannon's book will be so helpful for neurodivergent teens! It is built on a framework of neurodiversity-affirming care and compassion, which is so critical to helping youth develop the self-validation and advocacy skills they need. The book contains nonjudgmental, non-pathologized descriptions of various aspects of a neurodiverse brain and nervous system, and I love the emphasis on helping kids think about themselves and their goals through a neurodiversity-affirming framework."
--Lorie Ritschel, PhD, expert dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) trainer and consultant, associate professor of psychiatry at UNC School of Medicine, and co-owner of Triangle Area Psychology Clinic

--Lorie Ritschel, PhD

"The encouragement to honor one's neurodivergent identity and advocate for themselves is a key feature throughout this manual. I believe this work will help reduce the gap in services provided to neurodivergent individuals by providers. The skills and assignments are easy to follow with clear, concise instructions and a variety of ways to engage with each topic. I am excited to use this manual in my clinical practice."
--Sheena Beach, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, Behavioral Tech DBT Intensively Trained Therapist, and DBT Team Lead

--Sheena Beach, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP

"Theurer's book does a wonderful job of challenging misconceptions about neurodivergence, and represents a range of experiences for teens that they can relate to. This workbook provides affirming context to nuanced daily living and explains DBT skills in an easy, conversational manner. I can see many clients in therapy who would greatly benefit from using the skills in this book."
--Diadra Smith, LCSW, neurodivergent mental health advocate, and founder of Soft Edges Therapy

--Diadra Smith, LCSW

About the Author

Rhiannon Theurer, LMFT, is a neurodivergent therapist in private practice who works with neurodivergent teens and adults. She earned her master's degree in counseling psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, and has worked in a variety of settings--from crisis lines to integrated clinics to schools (K-12). She lives in Ashland, OR.

Foreword writer Megan Anna Neff, PsyD, (she/they) is a neurodivergent psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People.