As a couples therapist specializing in neurodiverse families , I know how important it is to recognize and understand the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early on.

Whether you're a concerned parent, a supportive partner, or someone looking to expand your understanding, this guide provides an approachable overview of the signs of autism across different stages of life.

Early intervention is key to helping those on the spectrum reach their full potential.

As a marriage and family therapist dedicated to enhancing the well-being of American families, I find the recent findings from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences both enlightening and directly relevant to our work in couples and family therapy.

The study uncovers significant sex-related differences in the brain's subcortical gray matter—areas like the hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala, which are pivotal for memory, emotion regulation, and sensory processing. Let's jump in!

Imagine trying to dance with someone when the music playing in your head doesn't match theirs.

This is a bit like what happens in social interactions involving neurodivergent individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum.

The latest research, published in Social Neuroscience, uncovers fascinating insights into how high-functioning autistic folks engage in social imitation tasks.

As the upcoming election gets closer, you might notice a new dynamic emerging in your family gatherings—Generational Political Gaps.

It’s a situation many of us can relate to: younger and older family members clashing over political beliefs, turning what should be a warm, connecting time into something more tense and uncomfortable.

This divide can be particularly tricky when you throw in the mix of neurodiverse family members, whose perspectives and experiences might differ even more.

Aging is a journey we all embark on, and while it's a shared experience, the way we navigate it can be different for everyone. For folks who are neurodiverse—those with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or dyslexia—the aging process can bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to cognitive health.

However, understanding these challenges and the research behind them can help us support healthy aging in the neurodiverse community.

In a recent case study published in the Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, we’re introduced to an unusual character: a man who experiences his orgasms in vivid, technicolor bursts and his chest pain as a bizarre sensation of pure whiteness.

This case offers a truly unique look into the weird and wonderful world of synesthesia—a neurological condition where the boundaries between the senses get so delightfully mixed up, you’d think your brain was hosting a sensory cocktail party.

For those unfamiliar, synesthesia is a rare and fascinating phenomenon where one sense accidentally crashes into another’s territory.

Imagine hearing a song and suddenly seeing colors or reading a book and tasting strawberries.

The concept of "love languages" has gained widespread popularity as a tool for understanding how folks express and receive love in relationships.

Originally developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, the idea centers on five primary love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.

While this framework has proven useful for many couples, it often overlooks the specific nuances of how neurodivergent partners—such as those with ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodiversity—express and interpret love.

We’ve all been there: you walk into the grocery store, confident you can remember everything you need, only to return home and realize you forgot the milk.

The “Grocery List Guilt” meme hilariously captures this all-too-familiar moment, but it also hints at a deeper issue many of us face in our relationships—the invisible load.

This unseen mental burden, often carried by one partner, can lead to stress, resentment, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

But it also might indicate the presence of a hidden stressor, such as untreated ADHD

In recent years, the value that neurodiverse folks bring to the workplace has gained increasing recognition.

As businesses strive to create more inclusive environments, it has become evident that the unique perspectives and skills of neurodiverse employees are not just beneficial—they are essential to fostering innovation and success within organizations.

This understanding is encapsulated in what we call "The Puzzle Piece Principle."

This concept celebrates the idea that every neurodiverse brain adds a unique contribution to the bigger picture, completing the workplace puzzle in ways that neuro-normative perspectives alone cannot achieve.

Nowadays, achieving a harmonious work-life balance can feel like chasing a mirage.

For neurodiverse folks, this challenge is often compounded by the need to navigate unique cognitive rhythms and manage energy in a way that doesn’t conform to traditional expectations.

Enter Unicorn Time—a term that encapsulates those rare, magical periods when everything aligns perfectly, allowing you to tap into your highest levels of creativity, productivity, and mental clarity.

As a couples therapist with a deep interest in helping neurodiverse couples find balance and fulfillment, I believe that recognizing and fiercely protecting Unicorn Time is not just a strategy for better productivity—it's a cornerstone for maintaining mental well-being and fostering healthier, more supportive relationships.

What Exactly is Unicorn Time?

In the evolving landscape of neurodiversity, a significant shift is taking place—a movement from focusing on deficits to recognizing and celebrating the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent folks everywhere.

As a science-based couples therapist, often assisting clients grappling with work-related issues, I find this paradigm shift both inspiring and essential.

In the arena of neurodiverse relationships, the concept of 'Cognitive Load Sharing' has recently gained prominence, particularly on social media platforms like Reddit.

This term refers to the dynamic in which partners distribute cognitive tasks and emotional responsibilities based on their strengths and weaknesses, enhancing their collective efficiency and emotional well-being.

As this concept becomes more popular, it sheds light on the unique ways neurodiverse couples can support each other and thrive together.

What is Cognitive Load Sharing?