Gut Instincts: How the Microbiome Influences Impulsivity in Female Inmates

Can gut bacteria determine whether someone acts impulsively?

Recent research suggests the microbes in our intestines might play a surprising role in shaping behavior, including impulsivity.

A new study published in Neuropsychobiology dives deep into the microbiota-gut-brain axis, comparing impulsively violent female inmates with their non-impulsive counterparts.

The findings? A microbial twist that could change how we understand—and possibly address—behavioral issues behind bars.

Ever feel like your brain is juggling flaming pins during a task that’s second nature to someone else?

Well, new neuroscience research suggests that for adults with autism, this might actually describe their unique approach to learning and generalizing information.

The study, published in Autism Research, uncovers fascinating insights into how autistic adults process visual categories—and it’s not just different for the sake of being different. These distinctions could influence how we think about therapy, education, and beyond.

Our world is teeming with challenges, but daydreaming offers a fleeting escape—a moment of solace where the mind can wander freely.

However, for some, these dreams become a consuming habit that disrupts daily life.

Maladaptive daydreaming, a behavior characterized by excessive, immersive fantasies, is not just a curious phenomenon—it’s a coping mechanism, particularly for neurodivergent folks facing emotional and social struggles.

A recent study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders sheds light on the complex factors contributing to maladaptive daydreaming in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and dual diagnoses (AuDHD). The findings reveal that emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma, escapism, and self-esteem are key predictors of this behavior, offering valuable insights into its roots and potential solutions.

What Is Maladaptive Daydreaming?

Picture this: a preschooler dissolves into tears because they didn’t get the red cup they wanted. At first glance, it’s a typical kid moment, right?

But what if those meltdowns keep happening, growing into bigger challenges over time? Emotional regulation—the ability to manage big feelings—plays a huge role in helping kids thrive.

When this skill doesn’t develop as expected, it can lead to struggles with ADHD, behavior issues, and even anxiety or depression.

A recent study in Development and Psychopathology shines a light on how early emotional regulation impacts kids’ mental health by age seven. Let’s unpack these findings with a mix of warmth, research, and practical insights.

What Is Emotional Regulation, and Why Does It Matter?

If you’ve ever laid awake at 3 a.m. wondering if counting sheep would help—or debating the ethics of waking your partner for company—you’re not alone.

For adults with ADHD, sleepless nights are all too common. A recent study in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that 60% of adults with ADHD report some type of sleep disorder. If you're one of them, you might feel like your brain has a "sleep switch" that’s perpetually stuck in the “on” position.

But why does ADHD seem to wreak havoc on sleep, and what can we do about it?

Let’s explore the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) connection between ADHD and sleep problems, with a dose of empathy and humor to keep things light.

ADHD and Sleep: A Recipe for Restlessness?

Parenting an autistic twice-exceptional child is both a unique challenge and a profound opportunity. Every child, including those on the autism spectrum, brings their own personality, strengths, and areas where they need support.

When behavioral challenges arise, it can be overwhelming to determine the best approach.

Two evidence-based parenting models often recommended are CPS (Collaborative & Proactive Solutions) and PMT (Parent Management Training).

Each offers distinct methods and philosophies, and understanding them fully can help parents choose—or blend—what works best for their family.

Alexithymia may not be a household term, but it describes an emotional struggle that touches many lives.

Characterized by difficulty identifying, distinguishing, and expressing emotions, alexithymia can influence every facet of life, from relationships and work to self-awareness and decision-making.

Let’s explore what alexithymia is, who it affects, and how folks can work toward emotional awareness.

What Is Alexithymia?

In a digital world brimming with content, YouTube has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary for neurodivergent folks seeking guidance, understanding, and connection.

The platform has become a powerful medium where creators are not only sharing stories but also offering strategies to promote mental well-being and resilience.

Here, we take a deeper dive into how these videos are shaping the neurodiversity movement and fostering empowerment.

Imagine biting into a crisp apple only to feel like you're chewing glass.

Or trying to stomach a grainy vegetable that might as well be sandpaper. For some neurodivergent folks, this isn't exaggeration—it's reality.

Food sensitivity often intertwines with conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), creating unique challenges around eating.

This post explores the science of food sensitivity and its impact on neurodivergent humans.

For many of my neurodivergent clients, time isn’t a steady, reliable friend—it’s more like a mischievous trickster, disappearing when you need it most and reappearing when it’s too late.

This experience, known as time blindness, can make managing daily tasks feel like a game of triage, where only the most urgent or stimulating priorities get addressed. Welcome to the world of Time Blindness Triage, where balancing responsibilities is both a science and an art.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what time blindness is, its impact on neurodivergent folks, and strategies to navigate this challenge with humor, compassion, and science-backed solutions.

What Is Time Blindness?

In the world of interior design, a new trend is emerging—dopamine décor.

It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that fuel your brain’s reward system, especially for those with neurodivergent minds.

From ADHD to autism, sensory-friendly environments can profoundly impact how we feel, think, and function in our own spaces.

This blog explores how dopamine décor works, why it matters, and how you can tailor your environment to boost focus, joy, and relaxation.

What Is Dopamine Décor?

As a therapist and academic, I’ve spent countless hours considering how cultural shifts affect the lives of my clients and society at large.

The rise and, more recently, the decline of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a cultural value have profound implications for neurodiversity initiatives.

But neurodiversity—recognizing neurological differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others as valuable diversity elements—has the resilience to evolve. Let’s dig deeper into the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of neurodiversity in this post-DEI world.