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...
ADHD
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...
Embracing Summer Adventures: Tips for Neurodivergent Families
Summer has definitely made its appearance. Whether you're in various regions of the US experiencing record high temperatures or in the Vancouver, Canada area where I am located, enjoying temperatures in the mid-20s to 30 degrees Celsius, we are clearly in the midst of...
Embracing Neurodivergence and Healing from Trauma: A Journey to Self-Discovery
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. As a counselor and life coach specializing in neurodivergence and trauma, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges individuals face in navigating their unique paths to healing...
Navigating Neurodivergent Procrastination: A Journey Through Burnout and Overwhelm
Today feels like one of those days. Scratch that—it's been one of those weeks. Tasks seem to have multiplied while I've felt too burned out and overwhelmed to tackle them. My diary page, initially marked for Monday, now bears the weight of Tuesday’s and Wednesday's...
Navigating Burnout and Challenges: Finding Balance Amidst Life’s Obstacles
Imagine facing the challenges of adolescence with a condition that sets you apart from your peers. For my daughter, that challenge came in the form of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at just 13 years old. Over the years, I've watched her navigate the complexities of...
Love Beyond Romance: A Valentine’s Day Reflection for Trauma Survivors & Neurodivergent Individuals
Valentine's Day often conjures images of romantic dinners, roses, and declarations of love. Navigating this holiday can evoke complex emotions and challenges, especially for trauma survivors as well as neurodivergent folks. However, it's essential to recognize that...
Breaking Cycles: Navigating Trauma, Homeschooling, and Fostering Stability for the Next Generation
I recently met a friend for lunch whom I hadn’t seen in many years. The last time we were in regular contact, her children and my youngest child were preschoolers; now they are mostly grown. Although we originally met when our children were younger due to an interest...
Navigating Turbulence: A Neurodivergent Mom’s Reflection on Supporting her Son’s Flight Journey and Coping with Unpredictable Challenges
I’m a neurodivergent mom of an adult child with autism. My son is doing amazingly well, although on his own timeline. He has graduated from flight school and he is finishing up his time as a flight instructor and is anxiously ready for the next step waiting for him...
Embracing Growth: A Year in Review and the Path Ahead for the Neurodiverse Community
Introduction: As we found things returning to normal since the pandemic, or at least some sort of “new normal,” congratulate yourself for surviving the biggest upheaval in our personal history! Being neurodiverse, we can find changes to our routine very uncomfortable...