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Back-to-School (or Work) Reset: Reclaiming Routines Without Rigidity
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.

Mema Mansouri
Jul 252 min read


Graceful Exit Strategies: The Art of Leaving Events Before You’re Overwhelmed
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

Mema Mansouri
Jul 183 min read


Decision Fatigue in Neurodivergent Life: Tips for Streamlining Choices
How do I answer this text? What should I wear today? Do I make lunch now or later? Which email do I respond to first? If your brain feels cluttered by the endless stream of tiny decisions, you’re not alone. For many neurodivergent individuals, decision fatigue isn’t just frustrating, it’s exhausting. And it can show up in every corner of daily life. What Is Neurodivergent Decision Fatigue? Decision fatigue refers to the mental weariness that builds up when you're required to

Mema Mansouri
Jul 142 min read


Autistic Inertia: It’s Not Just “Laziness” or “Stubbornness”
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

Mema Mansouri
Jul 92 min read


Sensory Joy: Reclaiming Delight Through Neurodivergent Play
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

Mema Mansouri
Jun 302 min read


I Thought I Was Lazy: Unlearning Internalized Ableism and Neurodivergence
For many neurodivergent people, the story starts the same way: “I always thought I was just lazy.” Maybe you struggled to start tasks, lost track of time, or felt completely drained by things other people seemed to handle effortlessly. And when those around you didn’t understand your experience, you may have started believing them—or blaming yourself. This quiet self-blame has a name: internalized ableism. What Is Internalized Ableism and Neurodivergence? Internalized ableism

Mema Mansouri
Jun 212 min read


Summer Readiness Tips for Neurodivergent Parents
Summer readiness tips help neurodivergent parents enter the season with calm and choice. When school routines vanish, the shift can feel exciting yet overwhelming. By planning ahead—while honoring your sensory, executive, and social needs—you can shape a summer that protects your energy and your family’s well‑being. 1. Map Out Your Summer Landscape: Do a quick mind sweep of camps, visits, vacations, childcare gaps, and work projects. Seeing everything on one page lowers cogni

Mema Mansouri
May 123 min read


You Deserve to Rest: Reclaiming Self-Care as a Neurodivergent Person
Rest doesn’t always come easily—especially when your mind is wired for depth, connection, and constant engagement. For many neurodivergent individuals, even moments of stillness are filled with mental activity. You may be lying down, but your brain is still sorting through unfinished tasks, processing conversations, or preparing for what’s ahead. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it means your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do: notice, analyze, ada

Mema Mansouri
Apr 252 min read


When the World Feels Too Loud: Living with Sensory Overload
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

Mema Mansouri
Apr 102 min read


Understanding and Managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Have you ever felt a strong reaction to criticism or perceived rejection? For some folks, these feelings can be particularly intense and overwhelming. This experience is known as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), which can be common among neurodivergent individuals, especially for those with ADHD. Understanding and managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can make a significant difference in how you navigate these emotions. Let’s explore what RSD is and learn effective ways

Mema Mansouri
Oct 10, 20242 min read


Fall Self-Care Tips for Neurodivergent Parents
As the leaves change color and fall brings a fresh start, it can also present challenges, especially for neurodivergent parents. The shift in routines, sensory experiences, and increased responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Here are some practical fall self-Care tips for neurodivergent parents to help you navigate this season. 1. Adjust Routines Gradually: Fall often means back-to-school schedules

Mema Mansouri
Sep 19, 20242 min read


Empowering Neurodivergent Students: A Guide to Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations play a crucial role in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. For students who face unique challenges in traditional educational settings, these accommodations are not just beneficial—they are essential. As a therapist working closely with students and educators, I've seen firsthand how the right accommodations can transform a student's academic experience. Why Academic Accommodations Matter: Academic accommodations are about level

Mema Mansouri
Sep 3, 20242 min read


Empowering Neurodivergent Professionals: Practical Strategies for Workplace Success
Navigating the modern workplace as a neurodivergent individual comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. While there’s growing recognition of the value neurodivergent professionals bring to the table, many still face significant barriers that can impact their career growth and overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies neurodivergent professionals can use to thrive in their careers and how organizations can better support their success.

Mema Mansouri
Sep 3, 20242 min read


Harnessing Unique Strengths: Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords—they are essential components of a successful business strategy. Among the facets of diversity, neurodiversity remains less understood but equally crucial. Neurodivergent individuals, who have neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, bring unique perspectives and skills that significantly enhance workplace innovation. Despite these contributions, numerous ba

Mema Mansouri
May 10, 20242 min read


Unlocking Productivity: 4 Strategies for Harnessing Your Interest-based Nervous System
Many individuals within the Neurodiverse community often struggle with finding the motivation to tackle routine or mundane tasks. Dr. William Dodson offers an insightful solution to this challenge: understanding and leveraging the "interest-based" nervous system. Unlike the "importance-based" system typical of neurotypical individuals, those with an interest-based system thrive on tasks that are novel, interesting, urgent, or challenging. Let's delve into the four pillars of

Mema Mansouri
May 2, 20241 min read


Embracing Neurodivergence: Turning Challenges into Strengths
Discovering that you may be neurodivergent often comes with a series of experiences that point in that direction. These experiences can range from struggling to form friendships, difficulties with eye contact, heightened senses, and challenges with focus and impulsivity. Many neurodivergent individuals can relate to the feeling of having to mask their differences to fit societal norms, but it's crucial to understand that you are not alone in this sentiment. The reality is tha

Arianna Jones
Apr 25, 20242 min read


Embracing Afrocentric Therapy: Amplifying Black Voices in Mental Wellness
Exploring the Afrocentric Therapy perspective reveals a profound emphasis on placing historical experiences and their implications at the forefront of Black discourse. This perspective transcends mere acknowledgment of the pain and trauma inherent in navigating society as a Black individual; it also celebrates the strengths of Black communities, encompassing language, tradition, celebration, and community-building. In societies where dominant forces control narratives and tra

Arianna Jones
Feb 16, 20242 min read


Preparing for the Holiday Season: Holiday Tips for the Neurodivergent
As leaves adopt their autumnal hues, and nights grow chillier, we're reminded that fall has arrived. Soon enough, the holiday season will be upon us—a time filled with joy, the warmth of loved ones, and cherished traditions. Yet, for many, especially the neurodivergent, the holidays can pose unique challenges. Here are some holiday tips for the neurodivergent to help you navigate the festive season with ease: 1. Plan Your Schedule Early: Before November and December roll aro

Jessica Studer
Nov 2, 20232 min read


Guiding Neurodivergent Students Through the Back-to-School Transition
The start of a new school year can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing for students, but for neurodivergent students, the back-to-school transition can be especially challenging. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or another neurodiverse condition, there are strategies you can employ to help them navigate this transition smoothly. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and considerations to make the back-to-school transition a positive experience for neurodi

Mema Mansouri
Sep 11, 20232 min read


Supporting children through school transitions
Navigating the start of a new school year often brings children and adolescents back to early care and education programs, schools, or new programs. It's a time of significant change, with new routines, faces, and sometimes nerves, not only for children but also for parents and caregivers. While the return to school might not pose a challenge for everyone, there are several ways that parents and caregivers can support their children through this transition. 1. Reconnecting wi

Mema Mansouri
Aug 11, 20232 min read
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