Have you ever felt exhausted, foggy, overstimulated, or overwhelmed, but struggled to identify exactly why? Burnout is more than just mental fatigue; it often speaks through the body in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. These physical signs and symptoms are your body’s way of sounding the alarm. This article explores burnout, its physical manifestations, and why … read more
Can your favorite social media app actually make it harder to focus, plan, and stay organized? Social media can be helpful but might overload your executive functioning if used excessively. Learning how it affects your thinking, emotions, and self-control can help you make more informed choices online. This guide explores how social media influences executive … 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
Finding a therapist who understands and supports your neurodivergence can be challenging. The right therapist can support neurodivergent individuals in building coping skills, improve emotional regulation skills, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals find it challenging to connect with a therapist who truly “gets it”—someone who sees their strengths, understands their … read more
Did you know that the average person can describe or distinguish up to 27 distinct emotions? For neurodivergent teens and young adults, navigating that emotional landscape can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Enter the feelings chart: a simple yet powerful tool designed to make recognizing and expressing emotions more accessible. … read more
Burnout doesn’t just affect productivity—it reshapes how we experience life, often amplifying challenges like sensory overload, emotional regulation difficulties, and the need to mask for neurodivergent individuals and their support systems. Burnout occurs when chronic stress overwhelms our ability to recover. This leads to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced performance. Understanding its unique impact on … read more
Whether you’re a student taking a test or a young adult navigating independent living tasks like paying bills, grocery shopping, or applying for jobs, stress is an unavoidable part of day-to-day living. High-stress situations can make it incredibly hard for learners to express their needs, even when they desperately want support. For neurodivergent learners and … read more
Neurodivergent youth with executive functioning challenges may forget assignments, struggle with organization, or feel overwhelmed with school or work demands. For these learners, every setback chips away at their confidence, making it harder for them to “bounce back.” These frustrations may become a part of daily life. According to the Youth Right Now survey, half … read more
We’ve already written before about the benefits of journaling, especially for neurodivergent teens. Keeping a journal can help your teen or young adult organize thoughts, build mental discipline, and track progress over time. However, journaling may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It can be hard to stick with it, and some people may feel … read more
As a parent, educator, or family member of a neurodivergent teen, you’ve likely seen first hand the day-to-day ups and downs of navigating an unpredictable world. It’s hard enough to work your way through adolescence and young adulthood, without the added stressors of anxiety, impulsiveness, forgetfulness, and distractibility that can come along with forms of … read more