What Is Working Memory? An ADHD Specialist Explains
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by an inability to control one’s attention. If you have ADHD, you might struggle to initiate or maintain focus on boring projects—even if you can concentrate on your favorite hobby for hours. This inability to control attention likely affects you in a wide variety of Learn More
Why Self-Advocacy Is So Important with Autism
This blog post—the first in a two-part series—defines self-advocacy and demonstrates why it is essential for autistic adults to learn this skill. See Part 2 for instructions on using this skill in your own life and for more self-advocacy examples. Allistic (non-autistic) people often make false assumptions about the needs, preferences, and Learn More
Why Self-Care Is So Important For Busy Professionals
This blog post, the first in a two-part series, describes why self-care is important for busy professionals and how to fit foundational self-care activities into a busy schedule. Read Part 2 for more self-care examples and advanced techniques. Burnout is pervasive among working people. Doctors, lawyers, and other busy professionals are particularly Learn More
How College Accommodations Differ from High School 504s/IEPs
This blog post—the first in a two-part series—provides examples of college accommodations that may be available for students with autism and ADHD under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read Part 2 for instructions on how to request ADA college accommodations. As autism therapists and ADHD specialists, we speak with many parents Learn More
10 Strategies For Managing ADHD & Impulsivity In Adults
As ADHD specialists, we get a lot of questions about impulsivity and ADHD. If you have traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or you were recently diagnosed, you may wonder what impulsivity means and whether all people with ADHD are impulsive. Let’s start with a basic definition and some examples of impulsivity. Learn More
Different, Not Deficient: Autism and Communication in Adults
Autism is often associated with communication problems in adults. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autistic people have “deficits in social communication and social interaction.” It’s true that autistic people often struggle to communicate effectively with neurotypical people. Unfortunately, many people jump to the conclusion that autistic Learn More
What Is Executive Dysfunction? An ADHD Specialist Explains
Today’s post is on executive function/dysfunction. It will address common questions we receive on this topic, including, “Is executive function disorder the same as ADHD?” and “How can I improve executive function if I am an adult with ADHD?” But first, let’s start with a basic definition and some context: What is Learn More
Autistic Burnout in Adults: Prevention & Recovery
This blog post, which explains how to avoid and manage autistic burnout, is the second installment in a two-part series on autistic burnout in adults. Read Part 1—Autistic Burnout: What It Is & How Long It Lasts—for introductory information. As discussed in Part 1, autistic burnout can occur when there is a Learn More
5 Challenges Your Child May Face When Restarting College
If your child is planning on going back to college after previously dropping out, you may be both delighted and apprehensive. A degree could increase your child’s chances of landing a stable, satisfying career. At the same time, you worry that they might repeat the same mistakes or encounter the same obstacles Learn More
How To Manage “Overexcitability” In Gifted Teens
Is it hard for you to relate to your teen or tween child? Adolescents naturally have different concerns than adults. This makes it harder to empathize with them. For example, you might think your child's back-to-school wardrobe is perfectly fine as-is. However, your child might be mortified at the thought of wearing Learn More
Autistic Burnout In Adults: What It Is & How Long It Lasts
This post describes what autistic burnout is and how long it lasts. It is is the first in a two-part series on this topic. For information on how to avoid and manage autistic burnout, stay tuned for Part 2. It is slated for publication next month here on our blog. For autistic Learn More
Launching Your Twice-Exceptional Young Adult’s Career
This article offers tips for parents who want to help their twice-exceptional (2e) young adult child launch a successful career. If you're unsure whether your child is twice exceptional, please read What Is A "Twice Exceptional" Teen? for common 2e traits. You can also read our article on home supports for 2e Learn More
10 Ways To Reduce Guilt & Anxiety About Saying No
There’s a cultural misconception that saying no is rude or selfish. As children, many of us were taught to be as agreeable as possible—even if that meant sacrificing our own happiness. Feelings of guilt and anxiety about saying no are probably universal, but women seem particularly vulnerable. Many women are so uncomfortable Learn More
New Autism Study Offers Clues For Overcoming Bias
While autism awareness has improved to some extent, I am sometimes surprised by the ignorant questions I see online and even in real life. When people ask questions like “Do autistic people cry?” or “Can autistic people get married?” it shows me that outdated, misguided, and discriminatory views of autism persist. Sadly, Learn More
Managing Your Child’s Unrealistic Career Expectations
Are you worried that your emerging adult child’s career goals may be unrealistic or unwise? Maybe your child—who got a D in their last math class—told you they plan to become an engineer. Or your messy teen who can’t keep their assignment due dates straight says they want to be an event Learn More
Adult ADHD And Sleep Problems: Causes And Solutions
Sleep is essential for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), since fatigue can cause impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and difficulty concentrating. Unfortunately, one in four people with ADHD doesn’t get enough sleep due to insomnia or another sleep disorder. Sleep problems tend to increase with age, so adults with ADHD have even more Learn More
10 Ways To Support Your 2e Teen At Home
This article offers in-home tips for supporting twice-exceptional (2e) teens. If you're unsure whether your child is twice exceptional, please read our article on what it means to be 2e—What Is A "Twice Exceptional" Teen?—for descriptions of common 2e traits. Parenting twice-exceptional children is a real challenge. If you offer too much Learn More
How COVID Is Affecting Physicians’ Mental Health
21st-century physicians face many challenges, including exhausting working hours, increasing administrative demands, and diminishing face time with patients. The mental health ramifications of working in such conditions include alarmingly higher rates of anxiety, burnout, depression, and suicide among doctors versus the general population.[i] Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things Learn More
The Dangers Of Dating As An Autistic Woman
No matter who you are, dating involves a certain level of sexual risk. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States every 73 seconds. One in 33 men and one in six women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their Learn More
The Self-Esteem-Destroying Effects Of Growing Up With ADHD
The Self-Esteem-Destroying Effects Of Growing Up With ADHD If you grew up with ADHD, you probably spent your childhood thinking there was something wrong with you— especially if your ADHD was undiagnosed. From a very young age, you were asked to stay still or stay attentive for long periods of time. Yet Learn More
What Is A “Twice-Exceptional” Teen?
What Is A “Twice Exceptional” Teen? Is your teen gifted in some areas but challenged in others? Perhaps they are musically talented but extremely awkward in social situations. They might demonstrate high proficiency in math but struggle with reading comprehension or vice versa. As the parent of a smart but struggling teen, Learn More
Common Mistakes Execs Make In Giving & Receiving Feedback
Common Mistakes Executives And Other Leaders Make When Giving And Receiving Feedback Ah, the dreaded performance review. Employees and managers alike seem to dread them. Considering most people’s discomfort with giving and receiving feedback, why are companies investing time and money in these reviews? There are a few reasons why feedback is Learn More
Autism And Race: Why Non-Whites Are Often Diagnosed Late
Autism And Race: Why Non-Whites Are Often Diagnosed Late Researchers say there is no biological reason why autism rates should differ by race or ethnicity.[i] Yet, there is a general misconception that autism is a condition only affecting whites. Autism rates are also lower among non-white populations. If autism affects all races Learn More
7 Tips For Adults With ADHD to Avoid Procrastination
7 Tips For Adults With ADHD to Avoid Procrastination As adult ADHD specialists, we have worked with many individuals who struggle with task initiation. These individuals typically want to know how to stop procrastinating at work, in college, or at home. “Why am I so demotivated?” they often ask with a sigh Learn More