The Double Empathy Problem: Why You Aren’t “Bad” at Communicating
If you are an autistic or neurodivergent person, you have likely spent your entire life being told—directly or indirectly—that you are “bad” at communicating. Maybe you’ve been told you are rude when you were just trying to be honest. Maybe you’ve been accused of having “no empathy” because you didn’t react to sad news in […]
PDA vs. ODD: Why “Defiance” Isn’t Always What It Seems
For many parents and adults navigating the world of neurodivergence, there is a specific, heartbreaking cycle that often plays out in clinician’s offices. You explain the struggles: the explosive meltdowns when asked to put on shoes, the refusal to do homework even when it’s a favorite subject, the intense need for control over every tiny […]
How to Find a Therapist Who “Gets” Neurodiversity
Finding a therapist can be a daunting process for anyone. But for neurodivergent individuals—those with Autism, ADHD, and other brain differences—the search carries an extra layer of complexity and urgency. A well-meaning but uninformed therapist can, at best, be unhelpful and, at worst, cause significant harm by invalidating your experience, reinforcing harmful stereotypes, or pushing […]
Neurodiversity at Work: 21 Practical Accommodations You Can Actually Ask For
The modern workplace, with its open-plan offices, constant collaboration, and ambiguous social cues, is often a challenging environment for neurodivergent individuals. The sensory overload, executive function demands, and unspoken expectations can create significant barriers to success, leading to burnout and underperformance. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Workplace accommodations are not about asking […]
How to Explain Your Neurodivergence to Loved Ones
Receiving a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD as an adult, or coming to a place of self-realization, can feel like finding the missing instruction manual for your own brain. It’s a moment of profound clarity that can reframe a lifetime of experiences, struggles, and strengths. Sharing this deeply personal revelation with the most important people […]
What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?
What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy? A Guide to Empowering Support For generations, the goal of therapy for neurodivergent individuals—people with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other brain differences—was often centered on a single, implicit goal: to help them appear and behave as “normal” as possible. The therapeutic process was frequently aimed at reducing “symptoms,” teaching social skills […]
What is Neurodiversity?
What is Neurodiversity? A Simple Explainer of the Paradigm Shift In any healthy ecosystem, biodiversity is crucial. A forest with hundreds of different species of plants, animals, and fungi is far more resilient and vibrant than a monoculture crop. The same principle applies to the human race. We thrive not in spite of our differences, […]
What is Executive Function?
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went in there? Or struggled to start a big project, even when you knew exactly what needed to be done? Have you ever found yourself chronically late, despite your best intentions, or constantly misplacing your keys, wallet, or phone? These common frustrations are […]
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? An Autism Profile Explained Imagine asking a child to put on their shoes, a simple, everyday request. Instead of complying, or even just refusing, the child suddenly declares that their legs have turned into spaghetti, or they become intensely fascinated by a speck of dust on the floor, or […]
“Why Can’t I Just Start?” A Guide to Overcoming ADHD Paralysis
You’re sitting at your desk, staring at a blank document. You know you need to write the report. You might even want to write the report. You can visualize the finished product and the relief that will come with it. Every logical part of your brain is screaming, “Just start! Type the first sentence! It’s […]