Welcome to my Blog
Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist.
Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I can help with that.
Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection.
Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what’s useful back into your life and relationships. And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, I’d love to hear from you.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~Daniel
P.S.
Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you’re curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that I’ve been sharing for years.
- Attachment Issues
- Coronavirus
- Couples Therapy
- Extramarital Affairs
- Family Life and Parenting
- How to Fight Fair
- Inlaws and Extended Families
- Intercultural Relationships
- Marriage and Mental Health
- Married Life & Intimate Relationships
- Neurodiverse Couples
- Separation & Divorce
- Signs of Trouble
- Social Media and Relationships
- What Happy Couples Know
Autism and Sleep Problems: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Sleep can be elusive for many individuals on the autism spectrum, with studies indicating that up to 80% of autistic children experience sleep disturbances (Cortesi et al., 2012).
These challenges aren’t simply about being "bad sleepers." Instead, the nature of autism itself presents specific, often complex obstacles that make restful sleep hard to achieve.
15 Autism Quirks that might be seen from Time to Time (And Why They’re Pretty Great)
Life on the autism spectrum brings about some uniquely delightful quirks that others might not fully understand, yet each one adds its own twist to personality and perspective.
Here’s a deeper dive into some common quirks that often bring smiles, curiosity, and insight.
Along with these observations, I’ll share relevant research that sheds light on each unique trait. Let’s dive in!
Autism, Conspiracy Beliefs, and Cognitive Processing: An In-Depth Look
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with cognitive traits like analytical thinking, a focus on detail, and sometimes a preference for factual over subjective information.
These traits have led researchers to wonder whether autistic folks might be less likely to believe in conspiracy theories due to a stronger skepticism towards unverified claims.
However, the Amsterdam study presents an intriguing contradiction: the cognitive differences linked to autism did not translate to a significant variance in conspiracy mentality compared to the general population.
Einstein Syndrome: Understanding Late-Talking Children with Bright Minds
Have you ever met a child who seems remarkably intelligent but is slow to start talking? While other kids might already be chatting up a storm, your little one is more interested in puzzles, numbers, or even how the vacuum cleaner works. If this sounds familiar, you might have encountered what Thomas Sowell calls Einstein Syndrome. Named after Albert Einstein—the genius physicist who famously didn’t speak until almost four years old—this concept explores a unique path in child development that often leaves parents and professionals puzzled.
But before we start labeling every late-talker as a future Nobel laureate, let’s dive into what Einstein Syndrome really is, how it differs from other developmental conditions, and why it remains a hot topic of discussion. In this post, we’ll explore the musings of Thomas Sowell, experts like Stephen Camarata, and the broader field of child development.
6 Autism Love Languages
Autism love languages?
Absolutely.
We’ve all heard of the standard ones—words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality time, and receiving gifts (Chapman, 1995).
But those are just the basics.
When it comes to love, autistic partners have developed some fantastic, customized ways to show affection.
Drawing from the research of thought leaders like Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Temple Grandin, let's decode these lesser-known love languages with a touch of humor and a lot of understanding.
10 Intriguing Traits of AuADHD: Understanding the Blend of Autism and ADHD
Navigating life with AuADHD—a blend of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—creates a set of experiences that are both richly complex and uniquely challenging.
This intersection shapes how people interact with the world, their passions, and themselves. Let’s dive deeper into ten essential traits of AuADHD, offering insights grounded in research, with a warm and compassionate approach that recognizes the strengths as well as the struggles.
Date Night with Autism: Making Connection Shine in Unique Ways
Dating someone on the autism spectrum brings opportunities for connection that are as unique as they are meaningful.
While traditional date ideas might not always suit the sensory needs and communication styles of autistic folks, adapting your approach can create deeper, more rewarding experiences.
This post will explore how to make date nights with an autistic partner truly special—from finding the right environment to understanding their emotional expression and valuing their straightforward honesty.
With a focus on empathy, patience, and genuine interest, you can build a relationship that celebrates each other’s differences and creates moments of joy.
Can a High IQ Act as an Invisibility Cloak for Autism?
We’ve all encountered the quirky genius—the type who knows everything about astrophysics but might struggle with, say, making small talk at a party.
This raises an interesting question: can a high IQ mask autism, making it hard for even the sharpest eyes to spot? The answer is yes.
But there’s a lot more to it, as the relationship between intelligence and autistic traits reveals. Let’s dig into this topic with a solid grounding in research.
10 Autistic Childhood Traits That Confused You Then, But Make Total Sense Now
Ever look back on your childhood and think, "Ah, that's why I did that"?
If you’re on the autism spectrum, those quirks and habits that puzzled everyone—maybe even you—might finally be adding up.
Now that you’ve got a name for them, those past experiences suddenly seem... well, less "weird" and more "uniquely you."
Let’s take a fun, hopeful stroll down memory lane with these 10 traits that baffled others back then but make perfect sense now, all backed by science.
Why Some People with ADHD Shine in Stressful Times: The Surprising Superpower of Hyper-focus
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.
15 Lesser-Known Autistic Traits in Women
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.
The History of AD4K Memes: A High-Resolution Take on Hyperactivity
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.