Neurodivergent Moments by Abigoliah Schamaun and Joe Wells is chaotic in the best possible way — and I mean that as a compliment.

First of all, they’re very clear: this is not a self-help book. And honestly? That’s what makes it so refreshing. Instead of advice and coping strategies, you get wildly funny, deeply relatable stories about awkward interactions, impulsive decisions, hyperfixations, bodily mishaps, and all the gloriously unfiltered moments that come with being neurodivergent.

It’s absurd, cringey, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud ridiculous — sometimes all at once. One minute you’re reading about pet tortoises or cheese theft, the next you’re in the Austrian Alps having an existential spiral. The humor is bold and unapologetic, but underneath it there’s something really validating about seeing these experiences shared so openly.

If you’re looking for something affirming without being preachy, and funny without trying too hard, this feels like hanging out with people who genuinely get it — and aren’t afraid to overshare for the bit.

As described by Abigoliah Schamaun, it is a book with “Twenty-four neurodivergent moments that are neither inspiring nor helpful. We hope we've shown you the messy and silly parts of differently
wired brains” and it does so wonderfully.

Books about being neurodivergent are often about how to cope - which is legit, we need that. But it was so refreshing to read about some funny neurodivergent experiences and have a little chuckle about quirks and encounters with the world, which probably resonate with a lot of people with ADHD or autism. It still contained some of the struggles within such encounters, but in a lighthearted way.

Really affirming. Lots of sections that I wanted to quote.

Enjoyed reading about the authors experiences, and the quotes from other neurodivergent people in the intro of each chapter is a great addition, but had me wish for incorporation of more perspectives. It’s a super short book, so why not?

I haven’t listened to and didn’t know about the authors podcast, so I don’t have any bias on that front. But if you’re into podcasts, I can imagine that theirs would be interesting and fun.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This collection of candid, short essays flowed together seamlessly to touch on so many of the messy and silly parts of being neurodivergent. The essays switched between two perspectives: one autistic and one ADHD. I found the autistic stories incredibly relatable to my own experiences. The ADHD ones were less relatable to me but they reminded me so much of what my ADHD friends get up to, and I really think it’s important to see a diversity of neurodivergent experiences shared.

It was a nice book to read before bed and I think a good read for someone recently diagnosed or realising later in life that they are autistic or ADHD. One warning though: the essay Doctor Too Little, Too Late focuses on dental care and I found it relatable in a more negative way rather than the lightheartedness of the other essays.

”Twenty-four neurodivergent moments that are neither inspiring nor helpful”, Abigoliah Schamaun summarizes the work she has done with fellow writer Joe Wells. I have to start out by begging to differ - the book managed to be both!

A collection of shorter essays about some of life’s most prominent topics (relationships, work, family, etc., etc.), written from two different perspectives: diagnosed Autistic and diagnosed ADHD. The authors don’t make any kind of claim to having all of the answers, but they proudly share their answers, all with a comical but still empathic and sometimes self-deprecating tone that heavily induces my laughing-so-I-snort-out-my-coffee state.

While I must confess that a lot of my enjoyment may be due to the fact that I could relate heavily to both (finally someone understands the way sunscreen is one of the most horrible things known to man!), I still believe this will prove an entertaining and enlightening read for someone who is very neurotypical.

I just wish it was longer…

4,5 out of 5 stars!

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC.

I read this in the hopes of finding something real, humorous, and uplifting, and it was perfect.

In a subtle way, Neurodivergent Moments is incisive, kind, and softly affirming. Here, the essay-style format is very effective. Every piece seems to be a tiny window into commonplace events that are frequently disregarded, misinterpreted, or ignored. While some of these moments are hilarious, others are more introspective, but taken as a whole, they make for a compilation that is both intimate and universally relatable.

The harmony between honesty and humour is what I valued most. Although the writers don't minimise the discomfort, annoyance, or fatigue that can result from navigating a world that isn't made for your brain, they also avoid making such experiences tragic. The tone remains light without coming across as condescending and contemplative without becoming overly sombre. Finding that balance is difficult.

The book does feel a little episodic because it is organised as stand-alone pieces. A few topics appear repeatedly in several articles, yet there isn't a compelling underlying narrative thread. That was probably the only reason this wasn't a perfect five stars, but it didn't detract from my experience. As the novel progressed, there were times when I wished it had a little more depth or a clearer sense of development.

Nevertheless, the voices are compelling and genuine throughout. There were other sections that caused me to halt and say, "Yes—that's exactly what that feels like," and the humour feels organic rather than performative. This book provides equal parts humour and understanding, regardless of whether you're neurodivergent yourself or just want to have a greater understanding of those experiences.

All in all, it was a truly delightful and uplifting book. I give it a solid four stars since it's heartfelt, humorous, and insightful.

Read this book in one weekend! I was obsessed from the start. I just could not put this down. This is the perfect page turner. Had to stay up past bedtime to read each night. Adding this author to my auto buy list!

Neurodivergent Moments: Sex, Sunscreen, Turtles, and How (Not) to Pack a Suitcase is a genuinely funny, refreshingly honest collection of personal stories that celebrates the awkward, chaotic, and very human experiences of neurodivergent life. The humor is sharp and self-aware, but what really stands out is the warmth and authenticity behind the jokes. The book never feels like advice or self-help — it simply invites readers to laugh, relate, and feel seen.

The essays are quick, engaging, and easy to move through, with a conversational tone that makes the stories feel personal and natural. Beneath the comedy, there is also an undercurrent of vulnerability that adds depth without ever becoming heavy. The balance between humor and honesty works extremely well.

Overall, this is an entertaining, relatable, and often laugh-out-loud read. Fans of memoir-style humor and personal essays will likely enjoy it, especially those who appreciate candid, self-deprecating storytelling

First and foremost thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I got diagnosed with ADHD and Autism in my late 20s early 30s, and boy has it been rough. This book was like a breath of fresh air, it was nice to finally feel seen. The fact that the authors are comedians as well just added to it.

In writing Neurodivergent Moments, Schamaun and Wells are continuing the mission they pursue in their podcast of helping build community and connections amongst our community. As they put it, "Build a community around you of other neurodivergent people and you will slowly lose the fear of being judged". In this book, Schamaun and Wells share "Twenty-four neurodivergent moments that are neither inspiring nor helpful", but are delightfully fun. It is particularly gratifying to see how their experiences with ADHD and autism respectively have created different impacts in their lives, and it was enjoyable going on a nostalgic journey with them.

Neurodivergent Moments by Abigoliah Schamaun and Joe Wells was such a funny and genuinely relatable read. The book captures so many small, everyday experiences in a way that feels honest and real. I found myself laughing a lot while reading it, but it also handles more serious topics thoughtfully. The balance between humour and heavier moments works really well.

Well this is an absolutely delightful, thought provoking, and hilarious book for those who are neurodivergent and those who know those who are neurodivergent (I,e. everyone).

Thank you to Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. Neurodivergent Moments is out June 18th.

This was such a refreshing and genuinely delightful read.

Written by two neurodivergent authors (one autistic, one with ADHD), the book is structured as a collection of essays — twelve from each writer — covering everything from everyday social mishaps to the wonderfully chaotic ways neurodivergent brains interact with the neurotypical world.

Each essay is witty, sharp, and beautifully self-deprecating. The authors don’t shy away from the real struggles of navigating a world that often isn’t designed for them, but they present those moments with humour, honesty, and a lot of heart. I found myself laughing in one paragraph and nodding thoughtfully in the next.

It’s also incredibly accessible. The essays are short, punchy, and easy to dip into — yet each one offers a small window into the neurodivergent experience.

And yes, the book absolutely gave me a few eye-opening moments… although after reading it, I feel like “jelly balls opening” might actually be the more accurate term.

Insightful, funny, and quietly educational without ever feeling preachy — this is a fantastic read for anyone curious about neurodivergent perspectives.

Highly recommended.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An interesting and somewhat funny look into the ways neurodivergency affects every day lives. Quite short, however, so it lacked a lot of depth

This book is a collection of essays from the point of view from autistic and adhd comedians. I love how relatable these essays are. They're told so humorously and I simply just enjoyed reading them so much. 4.25/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is pure joy! It's lived experience, lighthearted and a pleasure to read.

Dont expect a self-help book - that is not the vibe this book is going for an all. If you want to life, smile, face palm (and feel that sense of 'yay, I'm not the only one' this book is a good fit.

The story about the breakfast meeting had me crying with laughter!!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book ion exchange for an advance copy.

Love this book! This was one I never knew I needed, but I did. There were several entries that made me laugh out loud. Sometimes you don’t need a “strategy”, you just need to not feel like a weirdo, and this book gives that gift. I rate it 4 stars and will recommend to my fellow neurodivergent friends!

I enjoyed this as a neurodivergent person. It explained a lot and made me feel seen in a profound way. I enjoyed the way the narratives alternated between authors. I enjoyed it quite a bit.