Hi, I’m Sarah Shotts. Author of How it Feels to Me: a picture book about neurodiversity and sensory processing. I am a late diagnosed autistic adult, author, artist, parent, home educator, and erstwhile academic.
This is a collection of resources I have curated to learn more about neurodivergence (including autism, ADHD & more) and sensory processing.
Not sure what neurodivergence is?
What is Overstimulation?
Sensory differences are a common neurodivergent trait. Overstimulation happens when sensory input is too much. I made this video to visualized my lived experience of overstimulated. (There’s also a shorter 30 second version here.)
What is autism?
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a type of neurodivergence that effects attention and hyperactivity. It is poorly named and is NOT a deficit of attention. People with ADHD commonly experience hyperfocus which is an abundance of intense focus, but may struggle to direct it in the direction that other’s require. To learn more about ADHD (or AuDHD which is combined autism and ADHD) click here.
What about other types of neurodivergence?
COMING SOON
“On the Spectrum”
When we talk about autism or neurodivergence we often mention a spectrum. Sometimes this is misunderstood as a range of intensity from “more” to “less.” But you cannot be “more” or “less” autistic or neurodivergent.
I made a zine to illustrate the complexity and nuance of being “on the spectrum.” You can read it here.
How it Feels to Me
You may also enjoy the picture book I co-created with an autistic illustrator Gracie Klumpp. How it Feels to Me is an introduction to sensory processing for readers of all ages.
