For many people, the recent U.S. election brought a surge of emotions—fear, anxiety, and uncertainty—especially for those who feel vulnerable or impacted by past divisive rhetoric and policies. The situation can feel especially intense for those with histories of...
Stacy Finch
Understanding Executive Functioning: A Guide to Building Essential Life Skills
Executive functioning refers to the set of mental skills that help individuals manage time, focus attention, plan and organize, and regulate behavior. These cognitive processes are essential for navigating daily life, academic success, and personal relationships....
Managing Child Custody with Autism and PDA: Navigating Challenges
Child custody for an autistic child with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile can present unique challenges, especially around routines, masking, and emotional regulation. The Impact of PDA on Routines and Transitions Children with PDA can appear to thrive on...
Navigating Life Transitions: Finding Joy and Balance in Midlife
As middle-aged women, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads—children growing into their own lives, while we are left to rediscover ours. As a mother with my youngest now in their second year of university overseas, I can relate to the mix of emotions this phase...
Using Art to Cope with Grief: A Healing Path Through Creativity
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal journey, often leaving us searching for ways to process complex emotions. Art can be a powerful tool in this process, offering a creative outlet for expression and healing when words fall short. Whether through...
Understanding Executive Functioning: A Key to Success for Neurodivergent Individuals
Executive functioning (EF) is the mental skill set that helps us plan, organize, manage time, and achieve goals. It’s essential for success in everyday life, impacting everything from getting ready for the day to completing complex projects at work. When these skills...
Comparing and Contrasting Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are often confused due to the overlap in behaviors such as refusal, defiance, and avoidance of demands. However, these two profiles stem from different underlying causes and present in unique...
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Through a Neuroaffirming Lens: Navigating Challenges in Children and Adults
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is increasingly recognized as a distinct profile within the autism spectrum, though it remains a topic of debate and misunderstanding. It refers to a pattern of behavior where individuals exhibit extreme avoidance of everyday...
Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): With and Without Autism
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral condition characterized by a consistent pattern of defiance, disobedience, and hostility towards authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD may frequently lose their temper, argue with adults, refuse to...
Navigating Life Transitions: Reconnecting with Your Partner After the Kids Leave the Nest
As your children grow and become more independent, you may find yourself at a crossroads in life. After years of focusing on raising children, it’s common to experience a shift in your personal identity, your relationship with your partner, and the way you view your...