The Neurodivergent Social Worker

A Neuroinclusive Guide for Managers, Supervisors, and Assessors

Florence Smith author Jenni Guthrie author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:15th Sep '26

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

The Neurodivergent Social Worker cover

This book centres on neurodivergent social workers and how managers and supervisors can ensure they offer neuroinclusive support and guidance in social work teams and organisations.

Explaining key theory, information, and practice regarding neurodiversity to develop understanding, it will also enable practitioners to connect with how neurodivergent social workers may experience social work practice and the impact on their practice and well-being. Using a strengths-based and neuro-affirming perspective, it shows how managers and supervisors can understand, value, and utilise the knowledge skills and values of neurodivergent social workers within teams and services. Offering frameworks, ideas, and advice on specific social work contexts such as supervision, organising, and planning work, enabling a sensory-affirming workplace, as well as developing trusted and empathic working relationships, it will help social work professionals to practice inclusively and anti-oppressively with their neurodivergent colleagues.

This book will be a useful resource for social work managers and supervisors, as well as practice educators and the wider organisation. Neurodivergent social workers will also find the information useful in terms of their own working strategies and approaches.

'This book is brilliant and so needed! It tackles neurodivergence in social work wholeheartedly and with academic rigour. This book is essential reading that offers a fresh perspective, making this an indispensable resource for social work leaders and a connecting space for social workers in practice.'

Dr Lisa Cherry, Education and Children’s Services specialist, author of Conversations that Make a Difference for Children and Young People (2021)

'Awareness of neurodivergence is growing within social work, yet there has been a striking lack of resources that deepen understanding and support humane, helpful practice. This outstanding, landmark book fills that gap. It is essential reading for practitioners, managers, educators and experts by experience alike. As a neurotypical reader, I found it challenging and deeply informative, precisely the transformational shift in perspective social work now needs.'

Harry Ferguson, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, University of Birmingham, UK

'Grounded in research and rich with insight, this book was both affirming and thought‑provoking for me as a neurodivergent leader. It prompted meaningful reflection on my own career while offering clear, practical guidance for shaping neuroinclusive organisations and supporting personal development. An essential read for the world of social work and beyond.'

Kate Concannon, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and former Co‑Chair of the National Principal Social Worker Network

'A highly recommended read for social work leaders, managers and practice educators looking to deepen their understanding of the neuroinclusive perspective. Filled with authentic practice examples that show how deficit narratives continually undermine the social work field. Importantly, the authors offer reflexive solutions to broaden comprehension and application of relevant frameworks and standards. This book is an excellent starting point for anyone aiming to incorporate a neuroaffirming approach into their practice and organisational culture.'

Agnieszka M. Fearne, Master of Social Work Programme Lead, Kingston University London, UK

ISBN: 9781041064916

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 440g

222 pages