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...
Autism
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...
Traveling and Neurodiversity
December is often a season of traveling. Whether that’s a holiday, a family vacation, or a trip home, there can be a lot to consider when someone in your travel party is neurodivergent. Here are tips to think about. Pre-Planning and Preparation: Perhaps you’re a...
Navigating Life with PDA as an Adult: Struggles and Strategies
Introduction: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in adults can present unique challenges, impacting various aspects of daily life. Understanding the struggles faced by adults with PDA is crucial for fostering empathy and creating a supportive environment. In this...
Embracing Neurodiversity: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Counseling
Introduction: In the realm of counseling, two significant and interconnected areas of focus are supporting the neurodivergent community and aiding survivors of trauma. As a counselor committed to these vital aspects of mental health, I find great inspiration in the...
Is Your Counsellor Qualified?
Navigating the vast landscape of counseling, therapy, and psychology, one might assume that every practitioner is well-equipped to work with the neurodivergent community. However, as Devon Price, the insightful author of Unmasking Autism, points out, true...
Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting
Although I am a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia and working towards my doctorate in psychology, I support my clients in other ways as well. In addition to the therapy I provide, with a lot of my clients who are parents there’s a certain amount...
Sensory Diet for Adults
When we think about a sensory diet, we often think about our neurodivergent children. We offer sensory toys, water play, and comfortable clothing without tags or other irritating features. We are aware of issues with food and its textures. We may consider compression...
You Don’t Need a Diagnosis
PTSD, complex PTSD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, borderline personality, depression… The list goes on and on. As a counsellor, I don’t need my client to have a diagnosis. If you have one, that’s great, but if you don’t and you’re struggling with various symptoms, that’s...