For neurodivergent teens and young adults, social communication is more than learning what to say. It also means understanding how and why we share information. One strategy gaining attention among educators, families, and practitioners is declarative language: a communication style adults can use when supporting neurodivergent learners that emphasizes shared observations, thoughts, and experiences rather … read more
What if “college and career readiness” meant more than just test scores and transcripts? What if it also meant knowing how to do laundry, manage your time, budget for coffee and groceries, and speak up when you need help? High school is a good time to teach life skills your student will use every day, … read more
Maybe you’ve heard people say “college is where you find your people.” But has anyone ever explained how to actually do that—especially if you’ve struggled to make or keep friends in the past? If you’re feeling nervous about making connections when you head to college, you’re not alone. Lots of students wonder what to say, … read more
Choosing the right college or university program is an exciting step—but for neurodivergent students, especially those with ADHD, autism, or other learning differences, it can also feel overwhelming. For students who struggle with executive functioning–including planning, time management, task initiation, organization, and emotional regulation–these challenges can make the transition to college life especially difficult. Finding … read more
Do any of these sound like familiar comments you’ve heard about your autistic child or student? “But they seem so normal,” “They’re just being difficult,” “They can’t be autistic—they’re too smart.” Autism is often misunderstood, not just because of misinformation, but because of how people perceive behavior, difference, and our societal norms around disability. Social … read more
Positive affirmations—simple, intentional statements about self-worth, emotional regulation, and motivation—are everywhere in our environment. Scroll through social media. Walk through department store aisles. Flip through a magazine and you’re bound to see slogans like, “You’re worth it.” and “Do what you love.” Research shows regularly repeating positive affirmations can help you think differently, talk to … read more
“That was great thinking on your feet.” “I tend to fly by the seat of my pants.” “Off the top of my head…” “We can just play it by ear.” These catchphrases are so common in our language because of how commonly we have to demonstrate the skill of flexible thinking or cognitive flexibility. It’s … read more
**Note: In this post about work accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, you will see terms like “disability” and “accommodations” as they are recognized in legal and labor employment contexts. Life Skills Advocate acknowledges that this language may not fully capture the experiences of neurodivergent individuals or may feel offensive to some. Our goal is to provide … read more
I once heard a client say, “mornings and my ADHD go together like oil and water—no matter how hard you try, they just don’t mix.” If hitting snooze 10 times, forgetting where you put your keys, and running out the door half-dressed sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There are a myriad of reasons why neurodivergent … read more
Let’s begin today’s conversation about sluggish cognitive tempo with a story that may sound familiar to you or your student: Lisa sat at the kitchen table, watching her 16-year-old son, Jake, stare blankly at his open laptop. His history essay was due the next morning, but he hadn’t written a single sentence. Instead, he was … read more