NeuroNavigation
Book Series
Meet the NeuroNavigation Friends
I wrote The NeuroNavigation Friends because I wanted children to see themselves—and each other—in a different way.
Through my work with neurodivergent children, young people and families, I’ve seen how often children are asked to change themselves to fit into environments that weren’t designed with their needs in mind.
I wanted to create something different.
The NeuroNavigation Friends are a group of characters who think, feel, communicate, move and experience the world in their own ways. They each have things they love, things they’re brilliant at, and things that help them feel comfortable and understood.
But they aren’t defined by a diagnosis. They are friends.
They are curious, funny, creative, sensitive, energetic, thoughtful, determined, imaginative and sometimes overwhelmed. They communicate in different ways. They need different things. They see the world from different perspectives. And that’s the point.
There isn’t one right way to be a person.
There isn’t one right way to learn, communicate, make friends or belong.
I created the NeuroNavigation Friends to help open conversations about neurodiversity, inclusion, friendship, self-acceptance and belonging—while reminding children that being different doesn't mean being less.
Two stories. One growing group of friends.
The first children’s book, The NeuroNavigation Friends:
“There’s Room for Everyone”, introduces the characters and explores what can happen when we stop asking people to fit the environment—and start making room for different ways of being.
The tween and teen book, The NeuroNavigation Friends: “More Than One Way to Belong”, takes the friends into their next chapter, exploring fitting in, friendship, identity, rejection, big feelings, self-acceptance and the pressure to change who you are to belong.
Both books are currently being printed and will be coming soon.
Different brains. Different strengths. All amazing.
Mel Ryan
Creator of The NeuroNavigation Friends