Neurodiversity
Blog Articles

The holidays can be meaningful, but they can also feel loud, busy, and overwhelming. Many neurodivergent people notice sensory overload, pressure to socialize, changes in routine, and expectations from others. Your reactions make sense. You deserve a season that feels steady and supportive. This guide offers a few simple ideas for pacing yourself, setting boundaries, and shaping traditions that feel restorative. Understanding the Intensity of the Holidays This time of year of

For many neurodivergent individuals, special interests are more than hobbies. They can be steady sources of joy, focus, comfort, and meaning. These passions often help the nervous system to regulate, make daily life feel more manageable, and create a deep sense of identity. This guide celebrates special interests as essential pathways toward wellbeing, confidence, and connection. How Neurodivergent Special Interests Support Wellbeing Special interests are often misunderstood,

Many neurodivergent adults describe an emotional experience that feels intense, sudden, and deeply tied to relationships. A small comment can land like criticism. A quiet pause in a conversation can feel like disapproval. Even imagining that someone might be upset can send the nervous system into alarm. If any of this resonates, you are not alone. These experiences often fall under the umbrella of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, sometimes shortened to RSD. Understanding Emotio

Many neurodivergent people, including those who identify as autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive, or otherwise wired a little differently, know the feeling of the masking hangover. It is that deep exhaustion that settles in after you have spent hours or days pretending to be “okay.” You have smiled, nodded, maintained eye contact, and tried to meet social expectations. You have worked hard to blend in, to seem fine, to not make things awkward. And when it is over, your mind and b

What Does Accessibility Look Like for Neurodivergent Folks in the Therapy Room? Many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD or Autism, know firsthand how hard it can be to find neurodivergent talk therapy that truly fits. A lack of education and training among providers has led to frequent late diagnoses and misdiagnoses. Too often, clinicians treat what looks like anxiety or depression without first understanding that these experiences may be expressions of u

In a world that still measures worth by productivity, politeness, and predictability, many neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD and autism, find themselves chasing an impossible standard, the good autistic myth, that suggests worthiness depends on how closely one can appear to be “high-functioning” or “well-behaved.” The “good autistic” is often portrayed as the person who makes eye contact, speaks fluently, and suppresses their stims. The “good ADHD’er” may appea

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD or autism later in life can be life-changing. For many, it brings clarity, validation, and even a sense of relief: “Finally, there’s a reason why life has felt so different for me.”  Yet alongside that relief, there often comes a quieter, heavier emotion: grief for the years spent misunderstood, grief for the missed opportunities, and grief for the self you might have been if you’d had answers sooner. This grief is real, and it deserves space. Fo

Navigating Impostor Syndrome Post-Diagnosis Receiving a late autism diagnosis can feel like opening a door into a room you’ve always belonged in but never had the words to describe. Many people experience a sense of clarity, relief, and even celebration. Yet alongside that relief, another feeling often sneaks in: doubt. A common question I hear from clients is, “What if I’m not autistic enough?” This worry can stir up impostor syndrome, the unsettling sense that maybe you don

Finding your way back into a routine can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re neurodivergent. But what if “routine” didn’t mean strict schedules or endless productivity? What if it meant rhythms that nurture your well-being and honor your brain’s natural flow? This is your invitation to reclaim structure, on your own terms. The Problem With Traditional Routines For autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent adults, traditional routines can feel like an ill-fitting mold.

You made it to the gathering. You smiled, you chatted, you showed up with heart, and now your body is quietly (or not so quietly) asking for rest. But leaving can feel complicated. Will someone take it personally? Will it look like you’re being rude or unreliable? Will you end up staying longer than your nervous system can comfortably manage? If this feels familiar, you’re in good company. Many neurodivergent adults benefit from practicing graceful exit strategies so they can

Have you ever wanted to do something— really wanted to —but just… couldn’t move? Not because you were tired. Not because you were procrastinating. But because starting felt like trying to lift a boulder with your bare hands. This experience is known as autistic inertia, and for many autistic people, it shapes daily life in quiet but deeply impactful ways. What Is Autistic Inertia? Autistic inertia refers to the difficulty in starting, stopping, or switching tasks, even when t

For many neurodivergent adults, sensory needs are often framed as challenges to manage or quirks to mask. But what if we reimagined them as gateways to joy? Sensory experiences, whether visual, tactile, auditory, or movement based, can be powerful sources of regulation, pleasure, and play. When we honor these needs instead of suppressing them, we make space for healing, creativity, and connection. What Is Sensory Seeking in Neurodivergence? Sensory seeking refers to the desir

When replying to a text or brushing your teeth feels like scaling a mountain, your body is telling you it’s at its limit. Autistic burnout isn’t a personal failing—it’s a built‑in alarm that goes off after extended periods of masking, sensory overload, or navigating environments never designed for autistic brains. As a neurodivergent therapist, I invite you to remember: You are not broken; your nervous system is asking for care Recovery is possible—and can lead to deeper self

You’re just trying to get through your day—maybe you're working, running errands, or sitting in a coffee shop—when suddenly everything becomes too much. The lights feel too bright, the background noise is impossible to filter, your clothes are itchy or tight, and even the thought of responding to one more message feels like a mountain. For many neurodivergent people, living with sensory overload isn’t just about minor inconvenience—it’s a full-body, full-brain experience that

Taking care of our skin is important, especially when it comes to protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun. However, for individuals with sensory sensitivities or conditions like autism, finding the right sunscreen can be a challenge. Certain ingredients, fragrances, and textures can trigger sensory discomfort or irritation. In this article, we will explore some sunscreen options that are generally considered suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or sensory se

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurological condition that encompasses a wide range of strengths and challenges. In recent years, research has highlighted a potential correlation between autism and gastrointestinal sensitivities in autistic individuals. Rather than focusing solely on the difficulties, this blog aims to celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals while providing guidance on nurturing their well-being in the context of gastrointestinal sensitiv

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a unique neurodevelopmental condition that encompasses a diverse range of strengths and challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the strength-based approach to overcoming food sensory challenges in autism, highlighting the resilience and capabilities of individuals on the spectrum while discussing strategies to support their journey. Discovering Sensory Differences as Strengths: Sensory processing differences are

Sleep is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, affecting our physical health, cognitive function, and emotional balance. However, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sleep issues are incredibly common and can significantly impact their daily lives. In this blog post, we will explore the various sleep challenges experienced by people with autism and discuss potential causes and strategies to improve their sleep quality. 1. Prevalence of Sleep Issues in A

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by sensory challenges that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Understanding and addressing these sensory difficulties are crucial for creating supportive environments. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between autism and sensory challenges, shed light on common experiences, and discuss strategies for managing sensory sensitivities. 1. The Sensory Processing Differences in Autism: Sensory proces

Autism is often associated with males, but it is important to recognize that autism affects individuals of all genders. While it may present differently, autism among women is a real and significant phenomenon. In this blog, we will explore the unique experiences of women on the autism spectrum, shed light on the challenges they face, and highlight the importance of understanding and supporting autistic women. The Gender Gap in Autism Diagnosis: Research suggests that autism