Neurodiversity
Blog Articles

Starting the day can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals who may experience heightened sensory sensitivities and challenges with transitions. Mornings often bring a rush of stimuli and demands that can trigger stress and dysregulation. Creating a gentle, sensory-friendly morning routine offers a way to reduce this overwhelm, support emotional regulation, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. This blog explores practical strategies to build a calm

For many neurodivergent people, the idea of rest can feel complicated. Understanding how rest supports neurodivergent brains can transform how we think about energy, balance, and productivity. You may have been praised for your focus and drive but quietly judged for slowing down. You may have heard messages like “you just need to push through” or internalized the idea that rest equals failure. The truth is that rest is not avoidance. It is a vital form of regulation, repair,

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

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, many people feel the pull of fall routines, new school schedules, busier work demands, and the pressure of holiday planning just around the corner. For neurodivergent folks, these seasonal shifts can bring unique challenges, especially when sensory changes, transitions, and social expectations pile on quickly. The good news? You don’t have to meet autumn with hustle or overextension. Instead, this season can become an invitatio

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

Welcome, and thank you for taking the first step on your path to healing and self-discovery. Whether you're new to therapy or have been navigating this journey for a while, this space is designed to be your sanctuary, a place where every emotion is acknowledged, every challenge is met with compassion, and every step forward is celebrated. Understanding the Therapeutic Journey Therapy is not a destination but a dynamic journey of growth and transformation. It invites us to exp

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

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

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

In today's fast-paced, always-on world, stillness often feels elusive. We're constantly bombarded by the next task, notification, or demand on our time. Yet, nestled within the chaos is an underappreciated antidote: stillness. It's in these moments of pause that we can find clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Stillness, rooted in mindfulness, invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves in ways that can transform both our mental and physical well

For many individuals with ADHD, maintaining consistent hygiene can be a significant challenge. Tasks such as showering, brushing teeth, and other routine self-care activities often pose unique difficulties due to the distinct ways ADHD affects both the brain and body. These activities, which might seem straightforward to others, can be particularly overwhelming for those with ADHD because they are often low-reward and involve sensory inputs that may not always be pleasant. Pa

While caregiving can bring immense satisfaction, it also carries the risk of burnout, particularly for healthcare professionals, educators, and family members providing care to individuals facing significant health challenges. To effectively combat caregiver burnout, it is essential to address the accumulation of emotional, physical, social, and financial stressors, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to exhaustion and emotional depletion. Recognizing the signs of caregiver

Sleep is crucial for our overall well-being, influencing our physical health, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. However, many individuals struggle to attain quality sleep, especially those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with falling asleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, and establishing bedtime routines. While numerous sleep hygiene strategies exist to improve sleep quality, many individuals with ADHD

In a world filled with constant stimulation and demands, finding moments of peace and tranquility can feel like a luxury. Yet, amidst the chaos, there exists a simple practice that has been revered for centuries for its profound ability to cultivate inner peace through meditation. Meditation is more than just a trendy wellness buzzword; it's a powerful tool that offers a multitude of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Let's explore some of the remarkable advantages that

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where Strategies for Body Negative Talk take center stage? You might hear phrases like, "Oh, I wish I could eat that…but I’m being good today," or "Those pants look amazing on you! I could never wear those–they wouldn’t look good on me." Such comments can create discomfort or awkwardness, especially depending on your relationship with the person. Often, these exchanges occur among women or those who identify as femme. We've been

As we approach what I like to refer to as the second chapter of 2024 (i.e., the month of February), many of us who began the year with the goal of becoming the healthiest version of ourselves may have encountered setbacks or paused along the journey. However, with the new month comes an opportunity to evaluate and reflect on the benefits of these goals. Today, I want to delve into the benefits of exercise. While the topic isn’t new to most of us, many may not fully appreciate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in stress, anxiety, and the pursuit of what we don't have. However, taking a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of gratitude and how practicing it can enhance your mental health. What is Gratitude? Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives. It involves a

As the new year begins, many of us feel inspired to reflect on the past year and create opportunities for growth and expansion. In 2024, I encourage you to consider intention setting instead of traditional New Year's Resolutions. Intentions provide room for flexibility, authenticity, and sustainable personal growth. Often, we tend to abandon our resolutions in January, burdened by perceived failure or pressure to achieve, which can lead to feelings of shame, criticism, and do

Welcome to Part 2 of our Imposter Syndrome series. In our previous blog post, we delved into Dr. Valerie Young's five imposter types: The Perfectionist, The Expert, The Natural Genius, The Soloist, and The Super-person. For a more comprehensive understanding of each type, please refer to Part 1 of our series titled "Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Feelings of 'I don't deserve to be here' and 'I'm a fraud.'" Early research suggested that imposter syndrome was linked to factors s