Sorting out the difference between autism and narcissism can be very complicated.

However, I’ve found that good clinical skills often entail tracking the client’s use and understanding of Cognitive Empathy.

Cognitive Empathy consists of recognizing and naming emotions in oneself and others.

An autistic human genuinely struggles to detect Cognitive Empathy, while a narcissist selectively deploys Cognitive Empathy... Therein lies the distinction.

Because of my work in neurodiverse family therapy, a client recently asked me about career options for their kids.

I offer this to WT and his kids, with affection.

Neurodivergence refers to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others.

Historically, diagnostic criteria and societal awareness have primarily focused on neurodivergence in children, leaving many undiagnosed until adulthood, particularly women.

Gifted, neurodivergent women suffer greatly as they engage in High Masking and Social Camoflouge…

Despite growing recognition of masking behaviors, particularly among females, the research literature remains relatively sparse.

We need to do better.

Dr. John Gottman, a psychologist renowned for his work on marital stability and relationship dynamics, has modified his research-based couples therapy model to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent couples….

Twice-exceptional adults refer to individuals who possess both outstanding intellectual abilities, often in the form of giftedness, and one or more disabilities or challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorder.

Research on this population has gained momentum recently, shedding light on their unique strengths, challenges, and needs.

Neurodiversity can be a characteristic of humans of all genders, but females have often been underrepresented and overlooked in both research and clinical practice.

Historically, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools have been based on male presentations of neurodivergent traits, leading to the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of females.

In a clinical context, GAD is usually categorized as an anxiety disorder and treated as such, often with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

While it's not typically classified as neurodivergent, individuals with GAD may still experience unique perspectives and challenges related to their particular condition.

The neurodivergent umbrella recognizes that each person's experience of neurodiversity is unique and that these differences can bring strengths and challenges.

It promotes acceptance, understanding, and accommodation for people with diverse neurological profiles, fostering a more inclusive society.

Autistic grief is not like neurotypical grief.

It’s Because of the unique sensory, cognitive, and emotional experiences that impact humans on the autism spectrum…

Acquired Neurodiversity refers to neurodevelopmental conditions or differences acquired later in life due to external factors, such as brain injuries, illnesses, or trauma.

Unlike innate neurodiversity, which is present from birth and typically refers to conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, Acquired Neurodiversity occurs due to events that happen after birth.

The most important clinical idea in working with a newly cognizant neurodiverse couple is to skill-build with them to better manage the inherent difficulties they face in understanding the distinctly different ways their beloved life-partner processes information…