literal thinking
Literal thinking is a precision-oriented processing style common in autistic people, where words, questions, and instructions are interpreted according to their exact meaning …
Understanding Neurodivergence
pattern recognition in autism
Pattern recognition is a thinking style common in autistic people, involving a tendency to notice underlying structures, connections, and regularities across many areas of life — …
special interests
Special interests are deeply focused areas of engagement that autistic people experience with a level of emotional investment, sustained attention, and joy that goes well beyond …
rigid thinking (cognitive inflexibility)
Cognitive inflexibility, also erroneously referred to as rigid thinking, is a diagnostic characteristic of autism that describes difficulty shifting between tasks, perspectives, or …
synaptic pruning
Synaptic pruning is the process by which the brain refines its connections during development, removing synapses that are used less frequently while strengthening active ones. In …
intolerance of uncertainty
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) describes the degree to which a nervous system needs predictability in order to function — not as a preference, but as a genuine operational …
restricted repetitive behaviours (RRBs)
Restricted Repetitive Behaviours (RRBs) is the clinical term for a broad group of autistic traits including stimming, echolalia, routines, persistent interests, and sensory …
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional and physical response to perceived rejection, criticism, or the fear of falling short — experienced by many …
fidgeting
Fidgeting involves small, often unconscious movements—bouncing your leg, tapping your fingers, clicking a pen, doodling, twirling your hair. These movements help regulate focus and …
“Why do people fidget when they are hyperactive?”
Fidgeting serves as an involuntary mechanism for self-regulating attention and enhancing alertness, especially during tasks perceived as cognitively demanding (hard to do) or …
How To Make Your Life Neurodivergent-friendly
You've tried all the ADHD tips online, but nothing seems to stick. That's because neurodivergent brains don't come with universal solutions—what helps one person might not work for …
“Don’t people grow out of ADHD?”
People don't grow out of ADHD. Symptoms change from external hyperactivity to internal restlessness, and life transitions often unmask previously hidden ADHD.
“Doesn’t ADHD mostly affect boys?”
Girls with ADHD are real and underdiagnosed. Population studies show similar rates to boys, but referral bias and different presentations keep girls invisible. ADHD doesn't …
“Is ADHD just about not being able to pay attention?”
Attention is only one possible component of ADHD. We now also understand attention to be variable in ADHD, with a difficulty for the brain to self-regulate attention.
“Is ADHD caused by trauma?”
While ADHD correlates with a higher number of adverse childhood experiences, hundreds of studies show that traumatic experiences are not a causative factor - if anything, it’s the …
justice sensitivity
Justice sensitivity is the heightened awareness of rule violations and inconsistencies, paired with an intense emotional and physiological response. For many neurodivergent people, …
impulsivity
Impulsivity in ADHD is characterized by a shortened pause between impulse and action: a bright flash that leads immediately to behaviour before you can fully consider it. …
ADHD & Autism on the Rise: Are There More Neurodivergent People Now?
Why it seems there are more neurodivergent people now than before, when in fact we've always been here.
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