The Blog
Understanding the Tragic Reality of Suicide in Autistic Individuals: Call to Action and Resources List
Fish in a Tree's recent exploration of autistic suicide highlights alarming statistics, including the fact that autistic individuals are nine times more likely to attempt suicide, with even higher risks among autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals and those diagnosed late in life. Undiagnosed and unsupported autistic individuals, particularly in gender-diverse communities, face increased mental health challenges due to a lack of understanding and resources. We advocate for timely diagnosis, neuro-affirming mental health services, and inclusive crisis support to address this urgent issue and create a safer, more supportive world for the autistic community.
Why Many Autistic & ADHD People Feel Safer in Online Communities
Online communities provide autistic and ADHD people with a safer, more accessible space for socializing by allowing for flexible communication, sensory autonomy, and interactions based on shared interests rather than neurotypical social norms. These spaces offer the freedom to unmask, engage at one’s own pace, and connect with a global network of like-minded individuals, fostering self-acceptance and genuine relationships. Rather than being an escape, online communities demonstrate what true accessibility and inclusion can look like, proving that when environments are designed with neurodivergent needs in mind, people can fully thrive.
How to Recover from Years of Internalized Ableism as a Neurodivergent Person
Recovering from internalized ableism as a neurodivergent person requires unlearning societal messages that frame neurodivergence as a flaw, embracing one's natural traits without guilt, and recognizing personal strengths beyond neurotypical standards. This process involves setting boundaries, unmasking in safe spaces, reframing self-perception, and seeking validation through neurodivergent community and support. Healing is not linear, but through self-compassion and intentional change, neurodivergent individuals can move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Navigating Neurodivergence in Grad School: A Survival Guide
Graduate school presents unique challenges for neurodivergent students, including difficulties with time management, executive function, social expectations, and sensory regulation. By implementing personalized strategies such as structured scheduling, alternative networking methods, advocating for accommodations, and prioritizing mental health, neurodivergent students can navigate academia in a way that supports both their success and well-being. Thriving in grad school requires working with neurodivergence rather than against it, creating a sustainable academic experience that aligns with individual strengths and needs.
The Economic Cost of Ignoring Neurodivergent People in the Workforce
The exclusion of neurodivergent individuals from the workforce results in significant economic losses, as businesses miss out on their unique talents while governments bear the financial burden of unemployment and underemployment. Traditional workplace structures and hiring processes fail to accommodate neurodivergent workers, leading to high turnover rates, lost innovation, and decreased overall productivity. Creating inclusive work environments through accessible hiring, workplace accommodations, and systemic change would not only support neurodivergent individuals but also drive economic growth and business success.
Why ADHD is Overlooked in Black Women – and What We Can Do About It
ADHD is frequently overlooked in Black women due to racial and gender biases in healthcare and education, as well as cultural expectations that emphasize resilience over seeking support. Many Black women go undiagnosed, often misinterpreting their struggles with executive dysfunction, inattentiveness, and emotional regulation as personal failings rather than symptoms of ADHD. Addressing this issue requires greater awareness, equitable healthcare, culturally competent mental health support, and systemic changes in education to ensure that Black women receive the recognition and resources they need to thrive.
A Guide to Non-Speaking Communication: AAC, Sign Language, and Alternative Expression
Non-speaking individuals communicate through a variety of methods, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), sign language, gestures, writing, and creative expression. Access to these tools is often limited due to systemic barriers, but recognizing and respecting diverse communication methods is essential for inclusivity. By advocating for greater accessibility, education, and acceptance, we can ensure that all individuals, regardless of speech ability, have the right to express themselves fully.
Anti-Trans Laws Are Targeting Autistic Youth and Those With Mental Health Conditions
Anti-trans laws targeting gender-affirming care disproportionately harm autistic and neurodivergent youth, who are more likely to be transgender and already face significant barriers to healthcare. These laws falsely assume that autistic individuals are incapable of understanding their gender identity and restrict access to necessary medical care, worsening mental health outcomes. Advocates stress the importance of protecting the rights of trans autistic youth, opposing harmful policies, and ensuring access to affirming, evidence-based healthcare.
ADHD Patients and Doctors Fear Medication Access Under RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services has raised concerns about potential restrictions on ADHD medication access, which could disproportionately harm those who rely on stimulant prescriptions for daily functioning. Patients, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups fear that stricter regulations, misinformation, and bias against ADHD could exacerbate existing disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Advocacy efforts are mobilizing to protect medication access and push back against policies that threaten the well-being of neurodivergent individuals.
The Importance of Finding a Neurodivergent Community
Finding a neurodivergent community is essential for validation, emotional support, and reducing isolation, as it provides a space where individuals can connect with others who share their experiences. These communities offer practical strategies for managing neurodivergence, advocacy for systemic change, and a safe environment for unmasking and embracing authenticity. Whether online or in person, neurodivergent spaces empower individuals to shift from struggling with neurotypical expectations to recognizing their inherent worth and strengths.
Self-Diagnosis vs. Formal Diagnosis: Why Both Are Valid and Necessary
Self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis are both valid paths to understanding neurodivergence, with formal diagnosis providing medical recognition and access to accommodations, while self-diagnosis is often necessary due to systemic barriers in healthcare. Many individuals, especially women, nonbinary people, and people of color, struggle to receive formal diagnoses due to biases, financial costs, and lack of trained professionals. Rather than dismissing self-diagnosis, the focus should be on making diagnosis more accessible, challenging medical biases, and ensuring all neurodivergent individuals receive the validation and support they need.
Chore Struggles: Why ADHD Makes Household Tasks Overwhelming and How to Adapt
ADHD makes household chores overwhelming due to executive dysfunction, time blindness, sensory sensitivities, and ADHD paralysis, making even simple tasks feel unmanageable. Strategies like body doubling, using timers, task batching, gamification, and environmental modifications can help make chores more accessible and less stressful. Prioritizing self-compassion and working with the ADHD brain rather than against it can lead to a more sustainable and functional approach to home maintenance.
Should You Disclose Your Diagnosis at Work? Weighing the Risks and Benefits
Deciding whether to disclose a neurodivergent diagnosis at work involves weighing the benefits of accessing accommodations and reducing masking against the risks of workplace stigma and discrimination. The decision should consider company culture, timing, and alternative ways to seek support without full disclosure. Ultimately, each neurodivergent individual must prioritize their well-being and professional needs while navigating disclosure in their work environment.
How to Navigate Family Gatherings as a Neurodivergent Person
Family gatherings can be overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals due to social exhaustion, sensory sensitivities, and unspoken family dynamics, but setting boundaries and preparing in advance can help manage these challenges. Strategies such as taking breaks, using sensory tools, and having pre-planned responses to difficult conversations can make interactions more manageable. Prioritizing self-care before, during, and after gatherings ensures that participation happens in a way that respects personal limits and well-being.
The Case for Universal Design in College Classrooms: Making Higher Ed Accessible for All
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that makes college classrooms more accessible by proactively accommodating diverse learning styles rather than relying on reactive accommodations. By incorporating flexible teaching methods, alternative assessment options, and accessible course materials, UDL benefits not only neurodivergent and disabled students but also the broader student population. Implementing UDL in higher education reduces barriers, fosters inclusivity, and ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
Beyond Fidget Toys: Practical Tools for Managing Sensory Needs in Adulthood
Managing sensory needs as an adult goes beyond fidget toys and includes tools such as noise-canceling headphones, sensory-friendly clothing, and temperature regulation strategies to improve comfort in daily life. Adjustments in home and work environments, including lighting modifications and movement-based regulation tools, can help reduce sensory overload and enhance focus. By understanding and advocating for their sensory needs, neurodivergent adults can create supportive environments that promote well-being and productivity.
How to Talk to Family Members Who Dismiss Your Diagnosis or Self-Identification
Many neurodivergent individuals face dismissal from family members when sharing their diagnosis or self-identification, often due to misinformation, internalized ableism, or cultural stigma. This article explores strategies for navigating these conversations, including providing factual information, setting firm boundaries, and recognizing when disengagement is necessary for self-preservation. Ultimately, seeking validation from supportive communities and embracing self-acceptance can be more empowering than trying to change the minds of unwilling family members.
The Role of Identity in the Autistic Experience: Why Finding a Label Can Be Life-Changing
Finding and embracing an autistic identity can be a transformative experience, providing clarity, self-acceptance, and a sense of belonging, whether through formal diagnosis or self-identification. Many autistic individuals face barriers to diagnosis and validation, making community connections and self-advocacy essential in navigating identity development. Understanding autism as an integral part of oneself can improve mental health, reduce masking, and allow individuals to redefine success on their own terms.
Parenting an AuDHD Child When You’re AuDHD Yourself
Parenting as an AuDHD individual presents unique challenges, including executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, and communication differences, which can be amplified when raising an AuDHD child. By embracing neurodiversity-affirming strategies, such as flexible routines, sensory-friendly environments, alternative communication methods, and self-care, parents can create a supportive and sustainable home life. Focusing on collaboration, understanding, and mutual regulation rather than traditional parenting norms allows both parent and child to thrive in a way that honors their shared neurodivergence.
How to Self-Advocate When You’re Autistic, ADHD, or Both
Self-advocacy for autistic and ADHD individuals involves understanding personal needs, communicating them effectively, and setting boundaries to ensure well-being in work, education, healthcare, and relationships. This guide provides strategies for requesting accommodations, navigating difficult conversations, and asserting needs without burnout, emphasizing persistence, self-preservation, and community support. It also includes social stories and example scripts to help neurodivergent individuals confidently advocate for themselves in various real-life scenarios.