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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...