Book Review: Belonging by Geoffrey L. Cohen

I just finished reading Belonging by Geoffrey L. Cohen, and wow—it’s a must-read for anyone navigating neurodiversity! 🌟 This book dives deep into the universal human need to belong, showing how it impacts our well-being and success.

For those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other neurodivergent traits, the struggle to find true belonging can be even more challenging. But this book offers research-backed insights and tools to help create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Key takeaways from the book:
✔️ Why belonging is wired into our DNA
✔️ How exclusion affects mental health & opportunities
✔️ The link between neurodiversity and the need for strong, supportive communities
✔️ Ways to build spaces where neurodivergent individuals are valued

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in, you’re not alone—and you deserve to find a space where you can truly be yourself. Keep searching for the people and communities that nourish and uplift you! 💙

 

 

Transcription:

I have just finished reading Belonging by Jeffrey L. Cohen—good book! Not bad at all, and very, very interesting in how it connects to neurodiversity and people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and similar experiences.
Sometimes, we can feel like we don’t belong, and that’s never good for any human being. When someone doesn’t feel like they belong, it makes them susceptible to a lot of negative experiences. That sense of belonging is deeply ingrained in us—it’s part of our DNA. We yearn so badly to belong.
In Belonging, Cohen explores this fundamental need, demonstrating and sharing a wealth of research on the topic. It was a great book for understanding that concept.
A quick summary of how it connects to neurodiversity: Cohen delves deeply into the universal need for belonging and the transformative power it has on individuals and communities. While the book covers diverse topics such as identity, stereotypes, and social divides, its insights hold special relevance for fostering inclusion and support for neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and dyslexia.
In a world where the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent people are often misunderstood, Belonging offers valuable tools for creating environments where everyone, regardless of how their brain works, can thrive and strive. I think that’s the best way to summarize what I took away from it.
It’s really important to have conversations about belonging. Ask yourself—do you feel like you’ve found your people and your community? If not, I highly recommend you keep looking, keep exploring, and find that space that nourishes you and encourages you to grow. Because you deserve that.
You are wonderful. You’re just a different thinker—and that’s amazing.
I’m JoyGenea, an International Neurodiversity Coach, helping people find where they belong, helping them understand how incredible they are, and reminding them that they belong on so many levels.
Bye now!

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