Balance – How Neurodivergent Adults Can Nurture Well-Being Across Work, Life and Self-Care

Jessica Dark writes about neurodivergent wellbeing the way it actually works - not as a programme to complete, but as a practice to build and rebuild across a lifetime. As an autistic adult, filmmaker, and neuro-affirming respite practitioner, I found my own hard-won strategies reflected back at me here, alongside frameworks I hadn't yet named. This book honours who we are, not who we're supposed to become.

This is an indispensable tool kit for neurodivergent people offering practical ideas and suggestions to develop and maintain wellbeing. Jessica uses a range of practical activities, case studies and self-reflection to demonstrate the challenges of managing workloads, energy levels and day to day life to promote self care. Written in an accessible and highly informative way, this book is an essential read for anyone who is neurodivergent, or works and lives with neurodivergent people.

Balance is a compassionate and gentle book, full of thoughtful insight and helpful strategies. Each chapter is beautifully structured and summarised, with a helpful 'audit' at the end to reflect on individual priorities. Jessica offers incredibly helpful language and framing of traits and experiences, drawing on personal and community insights. Tremendous care was taken in writing this book, making it both accessible and affirming.

Jessica Dark offers a radically affirming guide to the fluctuating realities of being neurodivergent. She explores energy, focus, flow, communication, sensory and executive functioning needs. Balance moves beyond neuronormative expectations, grounding practical strategies for work, home, and self-care in lived experience and community knowledge - for a life of thriving and belonging. Highly recommended. I wish I'd read this years ago!

For Autistic or otherwise neurodivergent adults, Balance feels like coming home. Jessica Dark honours the invisible effort behind daily living and the ongoing work of understanding your identity. She offers practical strategies rooted in self-compassion, not compliance. This neuro-affirming book centres real experiences and needs across work, home, and self-care with honesty and compassion. An invaluable resource for our community.