We all know that feeling when stress hits: heart racing, palms sweaty, mind racing through your to-do list at warp speed.

For some, it's sheer panic.

But for others, particularly some folks with ADHD, it’s like a magical door swings open, revealing their inner superhero.

A new study suggests that for some people with ADHD, periods of high stress aren’t just manageable—they’re actually where they thrive.

Autism is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to how it manifests in women. Unlike the more visible traits seen in men, autistic women tend to exhibit subtler characteristics that can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted.

As a result, many women remain undiagnosed until later in life, missing out on support that could have made a big difference.

This article discusses 15 lesser-known traits of autism in women, providing insights based on research to help improve understanding and promote acceptance of neurodiversity.

Memes have always thrived on cultural relatability, especially when they zero in on everyday experiences with a humorous twist. The "AD4K" meme captures this dynamic perfectly, blending lighthearted humor with the challenges of hyperactivity and ADHD.

Let’s dive into the history of this meme, its roots, and why it has gained such traction in online communities.

Autism is a spectrum, and while many people have a mental image of what autism looks like, reality is often far more nuanced.

One of the most complex aspects of autism is "masking"—the practice of concealing autistic traits to blend in with neurotypical peers.

For some, masking is a way to cope with a world that doesn’t quite fit their way of thinking, but it often comes at a high cost: burnout, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self.

High-masking autistic individuals are those who become particularly skilled at hiding their autistic traits. But what does this look like in daily life, and what does the research say about the impact of masking?

Navigating the world of neurodiversity can be a bit like walking through a very specific museum—some rooms make total sense, while others leave you scratching your head.

Autism, with its unique traits, is one of those beautifully complex rooms. So, how do you know if you’re more of a neurotypical visitor in this museum?

This post explores some everyday experiences that might suggest you aren’t autistic. Let’s dive in!

Therapists don't typically look for drama, but sometimes it finds us.

Especially when the couple in front of you is David, a scriptwriter who tries to live life in beats and scenes, and Sophie, an autistic attorney whose mind is a courtroom, always looking for evidence.

It’s not your usual story—more of a character study than a blockbuster, with dialogue that could only come from two people who see the world in starkly different shades.

One thing that always stands out is how much childhood ADHD shapes a young person’s development—especially for girls.

We often hear about ADHD in boys, but new research is shining a light on how ADHD affects girls as they grow into teenagers, shaping not just their behavior, but their personality.

This isn’t just about fidgeting in class or being easily distracted—it’s about how ADHD influences the way these girls see themselves, relate to others, and navigate the tricky transition from childhood to adolescence.

A recent study published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology gives us a clearer picture of this.

Researchers found that girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious, less agreeable, and more emotionally unstable as they move into their teenage years.

This research not only highlights how ADHD impacts personality but also suggests that the environment—particularly family background—plays a key role in shaping how girls with ADHD see themselves.

A new study, published in Nature Mental Health, reveals intriguing insights into how people with autistic traits learn by observing others.

The findings suggest that those with these traits tend to prefer imitation over trying to understand the motives behind other people’s actions.

Think of it like watching someone use a new gadget—do you copy their actions exactly or try to figure out why they’re doing what they’re doing?

For many on the autism spectrum, imitation seems to be the favored approach, skipping the complex step of asking “why?”

This breakthrough could significantly improve our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the broader set of autism-like traits present in the general population.

The results of this study provide fresh insights into how the brain processes social learning, making it an important step forward for both researchers and therapists working with folks on the autism spectrum.

In the world of board games, fun and strategy often take center stage.

But for those with high-functioning autism, these games offer much more than just entertainment—they provide a structured, predictable, and low-pressure way to connect with others.

A series of recent studies highlights how board games, like Dixit and Werewolf, are becoming important tools for helping people on the autism spectrum develop social skills, manage anxiety, and build relationships.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with challenges in social communication and interaction.

Many folks with autism struggle with interpreting social cues, maintaining conversations, and navigating the unpredictability of human relationships.

But board games are emerging as a powerful way to ease these challenges, offering a structured and enjoyable environment for social interaction.

Being twice-exceptional (2E) is like juggling fire while riding a unicycle—you’ve got incredible strengths paired with unique challenges.

If you’re 2E, you already know that life isn’t a straight line, but more of a zig-zag through brilliance, distraction, and the occasional “Where did I put my phone? Oh sh*t , I left it at the Dairy Queen.”

For those who identify as twice-exceptional, the journey of navigating attachment issues and family dynamics while leaving a lasting legacy can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: with the right tools, including family therapy and emotional support, you’re not only capable of thriving—you’re building something extraordinary for the future.

We all know about physical hoarding—the piles of clutter, the inability to let go of things we no longer need. But what happens when that hoarding takes the form of emotions?

Enter emotional hoarding—the accumulation of unresolved feelings, past grievances, and unspoken issues that pile up until they completely block healthy communication within a family.

Emotional hoarding is a sneaky disruptor of family relationships, leading to conflict, distance, and, often, a breakdown of trust and intimacy.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen it play out many times, including in one family who stepped into my office: the Landers.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the concept of emotional hoarding, using the Landers as our case study to explore its impact on neurodivergent and neurotypical family members alike. Using research-backed insights, we'll also discuss how families can break the cycle and clear out their emotional clutter.

Have you ever heard someone say they’re feeling “extra spicy” today, but they’re not talking about food?

Welcome to the world of neurospicy, a playful term that’s taking over social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

If neurodivergent brains were flavors, being neurospicy would mean you’ve got a little more zing—a unique spice that makes life a bit more interesting.

In this blog post, we’re diving into the history of the neurospicy meme, why it’s going viral, and how this quirky term is reshaping the conversation around neurodivergence.

What Does “Neurospicy” Even Mean?