Dating an autistic woman
Dating an autistic woman is like learning a new language. What's often mistaken for social anxiety is a sophisticated internal processing system working in overtime to navigate a loud world.…
Describes people whose brains function, learn, and process information differently than what is considered typical. It is a natural variation in human neurology—including Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia—often featuring unique strengths like high creativity, intense focus, and innovative problem-solving, alongside challenges with social interaction, sensory overload, or executive function
Understanding Neurodivergent Experiences
Before I describe some of the experiences that neurodivergents can experience, I want to include something about the biological aspects of neurodivergence. Neural Pruning As a baby’s brain develops, there…
Hyperverbalism
What Does “Hyperverbal” Mean? “Hyperverbal” is a term often used to describe people who talk a lot – but that description barely scratches the surface. Being hyperverbal is not just about the amount of talking. It’s about how and why you speak. People who are hyperverbal often seem like “too much.” But for those of […]
‘Top Down’ vs ‘Bottom Up’ Thinking
Top-down thinking starts with an overarching concept and fills in the details using past experience. Bottom-up thinking starts with raw details and sensory input, building slowly to a big picture.…
Monotropism + Open Loops
What is monotropism? Monotropism is a cognitive style characterized by an intense focus on a small number of interests at a time, rather than spreading attention across many things. It…
Object Permanence
In the neurodivergent community, "object permanence" is often used to describe how out-of-sight people, relationships, or tasks temporarily fade into "stasis". While neurotypical babies learn physical object permanence by age…
Executive Dysfunction
Executive Function Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily…
Body Doubling vs Parallel Play
Body doubling and parallel play are two highly effective psychological and social strategies where individuals share the same physical or virtual space while completing independent activities. While the terms stem…
Sensory Overload (Overstimulation)
Sensory overload is the overstimulation of one or more of the body’s five senses. In these situations, the brain receives too much information to be able to process it properly…
Code Switching Vs Masking
Code switching in autism is the conscious or subconscious adjustment of behavior, language, and social mannerisms to fit into neurotypical environments, often for safety and social acceptance. Similar to acting…