The Divergent Voice

By: Julie Landry

If you've been researching adult autism assessment or are in the process of self-diagnosis, you’ve probably seen the free online tests, which include the RAADS-R test.

By: Cat Salladin

When we talk about sensitivity, it’s easy to picture someone who’s emotionally fragile, maybe a bit prone to tears, and easily overwhelmed. Oftentimes, the word “sensitive” is used with a negative connotation, or even as an insult.

By: NeuroSpark Health

While autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, many adults are now seeking assessments and diagnoses later in life. This is often due to increased awareness and understanding of autism, as well as a growing recognition that autism presents differently in adults compared to children.

By: By Cat Salladin

Love languages—those special ways we show and receive affection—are at the heart of any relationship, whether it be a romantic relationship, friendship, or family.

By: Cat Salladin

Twice-exceptional (2e) individuals are those who are both gifted and have a neurodivergent profile, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences or disabilities. This unique combination creates a complex, often misunderstood experience, particularly for teenagers and adults navigating a world that may not fully understand their capabilities or challenges.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Social anxiety and autism are two experiences that can significantly impact a person's life in a variety of ways. While they share some similarities in terms of social difficulties and anxiety, they are fundamentally different in their nature, origins, and manifestations.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Self-defense mechanisms are essential psychological strategies used by individuals to cope with reality and maintain their self-image. These mechanisms operate subconsciously and vary widely among people.

By: NeuroSpark Health

If you've recently found yourself asking, "Am I autistic?" keep reading! This blog includes common signs of autism in adults, steps to take if you suspect you might be autistic, and the benefits of identification/diagnosis. 

By: Cat Salladin

Autism and neurodiversity as a whole have garnered significant attention in recent years. Traditional, pathologizing approaches often focus on autism as a condition that needs to be treated or cured.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Autism is a neurotype that can present in many different ways depending on the individual person. Often, autism is seen to create differences in communication, behavior, and social interactions.

By: Cat Salladin

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is a self-report tool developed to measure the extent to which autistic individuals engage in masking behaviors.

By: Cat Salladin

Historically, autism has been viewed through a pathologizing lens. However, autism is a natural variation in human neurology, encompassing a wide range of traits and characteristics that make each individual unique.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Both autism and BPD have historically been misunderstood and stigmatized, but a neurodiversity-affirming approach offers a more compassionate and inclusive understanding.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Autistic shutdowns are a significant challenge of the autistic experience that is more common than you might think, in both children and adults.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Task paralysis is a common and often debilitating challenge faced by adults with ADHD. This phenomenon occurs when an individual feels completely unable to start or complete tasks, even when they have a strong desire to do so. Task paralysis can be incredibly frustrating and can significantly impact productivity and well-being.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Autistic meltdowns are a significant aspect of the lived experience for many autistic adults. Unlike tantrums, which are often seen in children as a way to get what they want, meltdowns are intense responses to overwhelming situations.

By: NeuroSpark Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often discussed within the context of mental health, but its classification as neurodivergent is increasingly recognized. Neurodivergence encompasses a variety of neurological differences, including, but certainly not just limited to autism and ADHD.

By: NeuroSpark Health

In recent years, the term "tism" has gained popularity as a colloquial and affectionate shorthand for autism. While some may view it as merely a playful abbreviation, others see it as a way to embrace and normalize neurodiverse identities.

By: Cat Salladin

Autism encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental differences that affect communication, behavior, and sensory processing. A key concept within the autistic community that often goes unrecognized by neurotypical perspectives is "autistic inertia."

By: By Cat Salladin

Sensory processing involves the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into motor, emotional, and behavioral responses. Neurodivergent individuals often experience sensory information in different ways than neurotypical individuals.