Mental health, neurodivergence and inclusive education

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

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Kassous, I. Z., Wakelin, K., & Gudknecht, J. (2026). Mental health, neurodivergence and inclusive education. In Exploring Mental Health in Education (pp. 100-112). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003598800-8

Publication date: 20 Aug 2026 Added to AutiHub: 23 Aug 2026 Type: Book chapter Article language: English

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3
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1 / 3 (33.3%)

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of neurodivergence and how it is represented in different contexts and cultures. Neurodivergence is described as another way of being, a different way of perceiving the world. Throughout this chapter, we will explore both the mental health challenges of being neurodivergent and the emotional toll of masking, along with how neurodivergent people are stigmatised at different levels including professional and personal and the impact of this on their mental health. The authors will consider how neurodivergence and mental health conditions frequently co-occur leading to potentially significant challenges in daily lives. The chapter will highlight how intersectionality presents itself in neurodivergent individuals as well as exploring how gender, culture and race create more layered challenges and continuous exclusion. The chapter will conclude by providing recommendations for more inclusive education and how to create an environment that welcomes everyone.

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