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The Divergent Voice


Understanding Autistic Burnout: The Struggle Within the Spectrum

By: Julie Landry

Imagine constantly feeling like you are running on empty, with no spoons left to cope with the demands of daily life. This is what autistic burnout can feel like.


The Feline Mind: Exploring the Possibility of Autism in Cats

By: Cat Salladin

The question of whether cats can be autistic is a complex one, and research is still ongoing to fully understand the presence of autistic traits in cats.


Monotropism Questionnaire: What it is and How to Score It

By: Dr. Julie Landry

Have you ever felt intensely focused on a single interest or task, to the extent that the world around you seems to fade away? Or perhaps you've noticed that when you concentrate on something you're passionate about, it's difficult to switch your attention to anything else.


How to Regulate Your Nervous System: A Guide for Neurodivergents

By: Cat Salladin

In today's fast-paced world, finding inner peace can sometimes seem like an elusive dream, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities can take a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing, leaving us feeling stressed and overwhelmed.


Neurospicy Meaning: What It Means and Where it Came From

By: Dani Rodwell

In the colorful landscape of the neurodivergent community, there exists a multitude of intricate phrases and identities that help us describe who we are. Within this space, there are many different variations of the word “neurodivergent” -neurodistinct, neurowonderful, neurosparkly, neurospicy, neurodefiant, and many more.


Understanding Dorsal Vagal Shutdown: A Deep Dive into the Body's Response to Trauma

By: Julie Landry

In mental health and trauma, the concept of dorsal vagal shutdown plays a pivotal but often misunderstood role. This physiological response, rooted in the complex workings of the nervous system, can profoundly impact an individual's ability to regulate emotions and navigate stressful situations.


Neurodivergent Test: Discovering Your Unique Neurotype

By: NeuroSpark Health

Are you curious about your brain's unique wiring? Wondering if you might be neurodivergent? Discovering your unique neurotype can be an empowering journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.


Understanding AuDHD: Insights into the Autism and ADHD Intersection

By: Dani Rodwell

The AuDHD experience continues to be a growing conversation about the very multifaceted and nuanced experience of being multiply neurodivergent.


Exploring the Window of Tolerance: An In-Depth Look and PDF Resource

By: NeuroSpark Health

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to handle stress with ease while others become completely overwhelmed? The answer lies in understanding the concept of the window of tolerance. In this blog, we will delve into the depths of the window of tolerance and its impact on our emotional well-being.


Adult Autism Assessment Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide

By: NeuroSpark Health

In the vast and oftentimes overwhelming process of pursuing autism exploration or diagnosis, late-realized adults may have a particularly hard time knowing where to turn.


Pathological Demand Avoidance Checklist

By: Julie Landry

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is characterized by an intense, anxiety-fueled resistance to the everyday demands of life. In adults, PDA often presents as an overpowering desire to maintain control over their environment and a tendency to steer clear of tasks that provoke stress.


Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance in Adults

By: Dr. Julie Landry

Adults with PDA might struggle with tasks that involve change, uncertainty, or external expectations. This frequently leads to difficulties in employment, relationships, and day-to-day functioning.


Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices Across All Spaces

By: Dani Rodwell

Why neurodiversity affirming practices should apply across all contexts including neurodiversity affirming education, workplaces, and social settings.


Reasons for Late Diagnosed Autism in Females

By: NeuroSpark Health

Reasons for diagnosed autism in females, and why woman pursue autism asssessment in adulthood


Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Test

By: NeuroSpark Health

Being able to recognize whether you experience rejection sensitive dysphoria, and how it shows up for you, is a powerful aspect of self-awareness that could be helpful for you to better manage it.


How to Deal with RSD

By: NeuroSpark Health

Tips about understanding, navigating, and dealing with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)


Sensory Processing Disorder Test and Explanation

By: NeuroSpark Health

Because it is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, a formal sensory processing disorder test currently does not exist.


Doing Therapy While Drowning: Or Why Autistic Clients Need Autistic Therapists

By: Tasha Raella

I hope that one day I will live in  a time when more therapists will feel safe enough to disclose their autism to clients and colleagues.


​​How to bring up autism to a therapist

By: NeuroSpark Health

It’s remarkable how many people have suspicions that they might be autistic, but they don’t know how (or don’t feel comfortable) to bring up autism with their therapist.


What is AuDHD?

By: NeuroSpark Health

AuDHD is a term that many members of the neurodivergent community use to describe the experience of being both autistic and ADHD. AuDHD is not a clinical term, and it doesn’t appear in the DSM, but it is a lived experience term created by the community that is both short and sweet.


Is Zoning Out a Sign of ADHD?

By: Dani Rodwell

A common question that people ask themselves when they start to explore and learn more about neurodivergence is whether zoning out is a sign of ADHD. That’s both a valid experience and a valid question.


How to get out of Task Paralysis with ADHD

By: NeuroSpark Health

Executive functioning is a set of important skills that enable you to get things done. Simply, the adjective “executive” refers to the quality of being suited to put plans and actions into effect.


Is My Boyfriend Autistic? 5 characteristics that I have considered

By: Dani Rodwell

The community wants to know, is my boyfriend autistic?


Do I have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?

By: Vee Martin

If you suspect that demand avoidance, PDA, or “pervasive drive for autonomy” may be impacting your life, NeuroSpark Health would feel privileged to support you.


Unmasking autism as a late-identified autistic adult

By: NeuroSpark Health

Recognizing that you’re masking and making the choice to try to remove that mask is a personal decision and a huge step in moving toward a life of authenticity.


How to get an autism diagnosis: Step-by-step instructions

By: NeuroSpark Health

Starting your journey of pursuing an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming and it is often difficult to find a knowledgeable and affirming provider. The step-by-step instructions below will guide you to getting the answers you deserve.


Task switching and ADHD: examples, how it feels, and what to do

By: Dani Rodwell

Autistics and ADHDers often have an extremely tough time with task switching. 


Adult Autism Test and Resources

By: Dr. Julie Landry

Whether you are self-diagnosed, autistic-exploring, or pursuing an adult autism evaluation, autistic identification can provide many benefits.


Benefits of an AuDHD Assessment: My Lived Experience Perspective

By: Dani Rodwell

AuDHD Assessment. AuDHD test. AuDHD test online… and one of my personally-used favorites, “AuDHD reddit.”


Why autism in women is often misdiagnosed

By: NeuroSpark Health

The reported autistic male-to-female ratio is 4:1, but that's likely because autism in women is often missed or misdiagnosed. Learn the reasons why and signs to look for.


The similarities and differences between autism and ADHD

By: NeuroSpark Health

While there are some things that autism and ADHD have in common, there are quite a few ways that they differ from one another.


Vocal stimming: What it is and what types there are

By: NeuroSpark Health

Vocal stimming can be a great coping mechanism for autistic people and people with ADHD. Learn about vocal stims and what types there are.


10 most common autism stimming examples

By: NeuroSpark

Autism stimming comes in all forms, but what are the most common? Learn about the types of stimming as well as 10 autism stimming examples.


Is autism a disability?

By: NeuroSpark Health

So, is autism a disability? To be honest, it’s tricky and it deserves a much more nuanced conversation. Yes, the technical answer is that autism is a disability. 


Types of autism: Understanding the changes in the DSM

By: NeuroSpark Health

Our understanding of autism continues to evolve as we learn more about how autism came to be recognized as a spectrum.


Travel Accommodations for Autistics

By: Dani Rodwell

Unsure which travel accommodations can be helpful for autistics? NeuroSpark Health’s Dani Rodwell reveals autistic travel accommodations that she uses.


Masking autism: Common masking traits and behaviors

By: NeuroSpark Health

The full impact of autistic masking is not yet publicly understood and continues to be studied, but many actually autistic people have been sharing about their masking experiences, which is incredibly validating for the rest of the community.


How is autism diagnosed?

By: NeuroSpark Health

NeuroSpark Health shares how autism is diagnosed, autism characteristics, and strategies that can help you work through associated challenges.


Struggling with Routines as an Autistic Person with ADHD

By: Dani Rodwell

Are you an autistic person with ADHD who struggles with routines? NeuroSpark Health’s Dani Rodwell reveals how her autism and ADHD affect her routines.


American Medical Association removing support for ABA?: Unpacking Draft Resolution 706

By: Dani Rodwell

Want to know what AMA Draft Resolution 706 really says about ABA? NeuroSpark Health’s Dani Rodwell lays it all out in layman’s terms.


ADHD vs. Autism: Understanding the nuances and overlap of the two

By: NeuroSpark Health

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism often have several overlapping characteristics and frequently co-occur. The overlapping traits and similarities are often misunderstood and misinterpreted by healthcare professionals who do not specialize in adult ADHD and autism. 


Therapy for autistics at home: 7 reasons why you could benefit from telehealth

By: NeuroSpark Health

At-home autism-affirming therapy can be a valuable resource to autistic people in a range of situations. Learn about benefits like specialist access.


6 traits of “high-functioning” or high-masking autism in females

By: NeuroSpark Health

"High-functioning" autism in women often goes overlooked. This is more accurately called high-masking. Learn how to identify the traits of high-masking autism.


Autism coaching: 8 types that can help improve your life

By: NeuroSpark Health

Autism coaching can be a valuable resource for autistic people looking for guidance and support.


Do I

By: NeuroSpark

Many adults can go through life knowing that they have unique traits and experiences, but are realizing later in life that these qualities align with the autism spectrum and begin exploring their neurodivergent identities. Receiving a formal diagnosis is not at all necessary to self-identify as autistic.


What is stimming? Guide to different types of stimming

By: Neurospark Health

What is stimming? Learn about what stimming is and some of the different forms it can take. Discover how healthy stimming can provide comfort.


How Dani Feels About Being Herself During Pride Month

By: Dani Rodwell

NeuroSpark’s co-founder Dani Rodwell shares her informal thoughts about what identity, pride, and intersectionality means to her. Dani cares a lot about authenticity, embracing differences, and celebrating uniqueness﹣ especially during Pride﹣and she supports others to do the same. 


5 commonly overlooked signs of autism in women

By: Dr Julie Landry

Did you know that autism has a male-to-female ratio of 4:1? Learn about 5 overlooked signs of autism in women that can lead to being undiagnosed.


Pride Month Interview with Vanessa Quinn

By: Vanessa Quinn

NeuroSpark is celebrating Pride by amplifying the voices of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse community members, like Vanessa Quinn.


4 ways to celebrate Autistic Pride Day

By: Dr Julie Landry

June 18 is Autistic Pride Day, which celebrates pride in the autistic community. Learn 4 ways to show your support and pride in the community.


Autism-affirming therapy for adults: 5 reasons why it could be life changing

By: Dr Julie Landry

Autism can't be cured or fixed, but it can be affirmed. Learn about 5 life-changing benefits of autism-affirming therapy for adults.


Things I Didn’t Realize Were Actually Stims

By: Dani Rodwell

I was able to connect the dots on a lot of repetitive behaviors that I have been doing my entire life without even the thought that they were in fact, self-stimulatory. Stims can be very obvious and they can also be very subtle. 


To Kick Off Mental Health Month: I’m quitting my full-time job

By: Dani Rodwell

NeuroSpark cofounder Dani Rodwell shares her experience with autistic burnout and moving away from traditional 9 to 5 work to a more neuroinclusive life.


Happy to be Felíz: Rambling Through Life

By: Felíz Felix

NeuroSpark is celebrating Pride by amplifying the voices of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse community members, like Felíz Felix.


ADHD stimming: Example of stimming in adults

By: Dr Julie Landry

Stimming isn’t only a feature of the ADHD brain; it’s of course very prevalent for autistic individuals as well. People with either brain style can utilize stimming as a way to soothe anxiety, but ADHD stimming has a more narrowed purpose of increasing focus and assisting with impulse control.


What does autism look like in adults? Five characteristics of autism in adults.

By: Dr Julie Landry

Simply put, autism is characterized by differences in the brain. This can include differences in social-communication, information processing, sensory experiences, and restricted or repetitive patterns..


A neurodivergent therapist reflects on her own history with therapy and treatment

By: Dani Rodwell

I was an unidentified neurodivergent child who was being unfairly held to neurotypical expectations.


Pride Month Q&A with Jennifer Alumbaugh

By: Jennifer Alumbaugh

NeuroSpark is celebrating Pride by amplifying the voices of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse community members, like Jennifer Alumbaugh.


Sparking the Conversation: An honest discussion with Fawn about being queer and neurodivergent

By: Fawn Spark

NeuroSpark is celebrating Pride by amplifying the voices of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse community members, like Fawn Spark.


The intersectionality between autism, LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse communities

By: Dr Julie Landry

Studies have shown that autistic people have a higher likelihood of identifying as having a sexual orientation and identity other than heterosexual and cisgender when compared to neurotypical people. 


How I Interpret Self-Acceptance and Autism

By: Ama Asmad

As someone with multiple marginalized identities, including long-suspected (though still officially undiagnosed) autism, I’ve constantly reflected on what “self-acceptance” means not just in my own life, but as an objective state.


Why Do Autistics Need Therapy?

By: Jackie Schuld, ATR-BC, LPC

Why do autistics need therapy? We don’t NEED it, but it sure as hell helps.


A Letter to My MH Colleagues

By: Dr Julie Landry

Neurodivergent clients are not getting the care that they need or the care they deserve.


Autism Awareness Month vs. Autism Acceptance Month

By: Dani Rodwell

The month of April has been historically referred to as Autism Awareness Month. The first   Autism Awareness month began over 50 years ago and initially started out by the Autism Society as National Autistic Children’s Week. This observance soon expanded to Autism Awareness month. 


Language Matters!

By: Ben VanHook

The language we use within the disability and neurodivergent community is very important.


On Being a Woman

By: Lara Schaeffer

I remember from a pretty early age as a girl and young woman being aware that it doesn’t seem very easy being a boy…and I remember thinking about this fairly often.


How to Find Your Place as a Late-diagnosed Autistic Adult

By: Kate Laine-Toner

The benefits of self-discovery through having a diagnosis (either formal or through self-identification) far outweigh the negatives.


Working Women and Women’s Work

By: Jessica Michaels

My autism and ADHD made it harder to recognize and emotionally deal with the fact that these inequities existed.


What I Want You to Know about Autistic Women and Girls

By: Tracy Smith

The characteristics of autistic females may be overlooked, their interests in books, animals, or teenage bands thought to be typical interests for their age.


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