Created by Stacy @ stacyfinch.com & Adrianne @ discoverautism.ca The holidays are full of potential for connection, joy, and, let’s face it, some chaos. For families with neurodivergent children, the season can bring extra challenges. Bright lights, noisy...
Stacy Finch
Winter Holiday Survival Guide: Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children
Created by Stacy @ stacyfinch.com & Adrianne @ discoverautism.ca The winter holidays are a time of warmth, wonder—and, let’s be honest, a little chaos. For parents of neurodivergent children, the season often comes with unique challenges. The bright lights,...
Facing Fear and Uncertainty in the Wake of the Election: How to Cope and Find Hope
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...
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...