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.

Neurodivergent Moments is a relatable, silly, and easy-to-read collection of short essays by neurodivergent authors Abigoliah Schamaun (ADHD) and Joe Wells (autism). It’s a pretty short read, and I imagine most readers could finish it in one sitting. What I enjoyed most about it was the organization of the book into specific topics, followed by an essay with both the ADHD experience and the autistic experience. The division made it to where one could easily skip back-and-forth or read only short amounts at a time, something that I think makes the book more accessible to what I imagine will be a majority neurodivergent audience. Also, as an autistic person myself, I found Wells’s essays incredibly relatable, though I often found myself relating to Schamaun’s experiences as well.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a self-help book and isn’t going to be a deep dive into neurodivergence. If you’re looking for something like that, this isn’t the book for you, but it’s great for just a quick, pleasurable read full of relatable moments. Along the way, you might wind up with a few ideas for working with your neurodivergence (I thought the olive chapter was incredibly informative, and I’m going to try it out and see if I can grow to like olives), but it’s primarily just a collection of comedic personal narratives, similar to Sedaris.

I think this book would make a great gift for neurodivergent readers but also for family members of neurodivergent people. There are a lot of things mentioned that people with ADHD/autism don’t even really think about doing, but I think it would serve as both a great way for family members to empathize with their experiences as well as noting some of these traits in themselves.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers, who provided a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Neurodivergent Moments had me laughing out loud while reading. Joe and Abigoliah provide an honest look into their lives and all the chaos that ensues. This book is fun, lighthearted, and incredibly endearing. I'm glad I have the opportunity to read this arc and recommend it to all of my reader friends!

This was such a relatable and funny collection of essays! I loved that I could understand the experiences of the authors, even when they were describing things I hadn't experienced myself. I recommend this to everyone, regardless of whether they are neurodivergent or not.

Loved this and will be coming back to it whenever I need an awkwardness-is-okay boost.
One of the writers have ADHD, the other ASD and they tell us their darkest secrets.
I am joking.
Though, we get nuanced glimpses into lives with neurodivergence; weird moments, misunderstandings, quirks...
Whether you are neurodivergent or not, I highly recommend this book 1) if you are, to feel seen, to see how others experience it, to laugh, to accept yourself, 2) if not, to understand different experiences, to laugh, to appreciate neurodivergence.

Very funny and relatable autistic and ADHD stories told from both perspectives. Great fun read and would definitely recommend.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!!!

Thank You to NetGallery and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

As a neurodivergent person, I really loved everything about this. Often times it feels like certain topics such as neurodiversity and lived experiences are talked about in a way that’s very doom and gloom, but this was humorous and lightheaded and felt really good to read!

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for a copy of this book to review.

This was so affirming and fun... I hadn't heard of this podcast before reading, but I think I will definitely be jumping on to learn more. This was short essays regarding life with neurodivergence. Being recently diagnosed after 35 years of not knowing why I was so weird, books like this help so much.

Another wonderful book by neurodivergent authors that more should read - even if just for a snippet of how neurodivergence can impact in all aspects of life (and how it's also a superpower!).

"Neurodivergent moments" is exactly what the title suggests: a collection of moments in the authors' lives (one autistic and the other ADHD) when their brains acted in unconventional ways.
It starts with the premise that there is a "neurodivergent culture" that people share, and that can make people feel more empowered and less lonely.
I do not have neither ADHD or autism, but, being in the phase of "informal diagnosis" of dyspraxia, I really miss that element of community, and I do look forward to the day I can chat with someone else in the same situation and they tell me they got lost in a straight line and I can say "Me too!!". Or that they got lost at the park and their 2-year-old found the right way for them and I can say "ME TOO!!". I do miss that element of "dyspraxic culture" and I love that this book provides that for the autistic and ADHD communities.
Regardless, the essays are really funny for anyone, those with or without neurodivergency, and also really good to learn about what other people experience. I would recommend to anyone who'd enjoy a collection of comedic essays.

A fun little collection of essays from 2 neurodivergent people, highlighting the way they see, experience and handle their environments. Not a self-help book, as they repeatedly state, so don't expect a how-to or a deep dive into various conditions. I did not know they had a podcast but this seems like it is a physical version of that. Quick read but enjoyable.

Thank you to the authors, Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

This was a fun read! The authors are clear it's not a self-help book, so if you are looking for that or for a deep dive on the intricacies of neurodivergence, this one might not be for you. However, if you, like me, have lots of neurodiverse friends and family, this is full of delightful musings on a range of different topics and caused laugh out loud moments and reflective moments thinking about how so much of this relates to many people in my circle that I love dearly.

I was honestly worried I'd be slogging through this, but it was quite the opposite! The format had me flying through the different topics and I was at the end before I knew it. I've seen some other reviews mention that this doesn't "make sense to them as a published book", and while sure, it's not a novel, it is a collection of short stories/essays and well worth publishing! I also can't wait to give the podcast, that the authors host, a listen as well!

I really enjoyed this book. Loved the contrast between the two authors and especially loved Abigoliahs confessions at the end about the process of writing it😂
Actually got some tips from it too. Great to see the lived experience of neurodiversity from non medical side too. Well worth the read!

This was a great read! I am neurodivergent myself, so reading about other people's "moments" was both eye opening and reassuring. I was diagnosed three years ago and I have been reading as much as I can to figure out how to navigate this new realization. This book was super helpful because it made me realize that I am not alone in this journey and there are many others out there going through the same thing.

Thank you to the writers, this is a funny and sometimes sobering look at what it is like to be neurodivergent.

The book covers the following topics, broken down into chapters that have a funny anecdote at the beginining and Wells and Schamaun writing an essay each on the topic, giving insight into their Autistic and ADHD minds, respectively:
Diagnosis
School
Family
Work
Relationships and Dating
Socialising
Travel
Health
Masking
Drink and Drugs
Food
Pre/Post-Diagnosis

As an AuDHD individual, I found this book to be refreshingly hilarious. A lot of books I read about ADHD/Autism/AuDHD tend to focus on how to manage/treat the symptoms. That's totally fine, because being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world is bloody HARD! But sometimes you just want a book that says, "I see you, and I understand you" - that's what this book is.

I love how this book celebrates our differences. Not in that toxically positive "neurodivergence is a superpower" rubbish (if that's how other people want to phrase it, that's their right, but I personally don't agree with it), but in the everyday and mundane interactions that occur.

I felt so seen by reading this - every single topic and essay discussed resonated with me, and I could rattle off many similar stories. I love how this book is laughing WITH us, not AT us. It views neurodivergent people as whole people, rather than reducing them to their condition.

Highly recommend this for some lighthearted relief and relatability. It would also make a good book for partners/friends/parents of those with ADHD/Autism to help them understand them better.

Neurodivergent Moments is a collection of short essays by neurodivergent authors Abigoliah Schamaun and Joe Wells (ADHD and Autism). It was a little difficult to read only because of the layout due to it being digital. Not sure if it is correctly formatted yet. This is not a self-help book but more about the lives of each author. I am autistic myself so it was nice to read something by another autistic person. Many things written were super relatable and had me highlighting on my kindle.

Short and funny, which is probably good if you are someone with ADHD. I enjoyed the authors' irreverence toward their own diagnoses and their approach to neurodivergence with humor and acceptance.