Neurodivergent, by Nature - by Joe Harkness (Hardcover)

About the Book

Exploring the connections between nature and neurodiversity

Book Synopsis

A BBC WILDLIFE BEST BOOK OF 2025

Exploring the connections between nature and neurodiversity

Time in nature supports our wellbeing. If we are neurodivergent, it can stimulate our senses, feed our curiosity and help us find others with the same deep interests. But why do natural environments have such profound effects?

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in his thirties, Joe Harkness began to question whether his bond with nature was intrinsic to his neurodivergence or something developed through his life choices. Keen to know more, he connected with other neurodivergent people who share his passion for the natural world. Threading their stories with his own, Joe explores why they chose to seek diagnosis, the ways they find solace and understanding through nature, and what led many of them into nature-related careers.

Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Joe highlights the creativity, skills and passion that can benefit communities, schools and workplaces when neurodiversity is welcomed and supported in all its forms.

Review Quotes

"Complex and revelatory" --BBC Wildlife

"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

"Fascinating and necessary." --Richard Smyth, New Scientist

"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

"Harkness is a chatty, enthusiastic guide to a field he knows well, and he speaks with a huge number of people, all with enlightening stories to tell." --Richard Smyth, New Scientist

About the Author

Joe Harkness is a naturalist and writer from Norfolk. He has written features for many publications, including The Guardian, iNews, BBC Wildlife, Birdwatching and Birdwatch. He has also shared his passion for nature on TV shows and radio such as BBC Winterwatch and BBC Radio 4. His first book, Bird Therapy, was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. Joe works in education and currently oversees a sixth form for young people with complex needs.