The Blog
Incompatible Demands: When Executive Dysfunction and Sensory Needs Collide
This article explores the often-overlooked intersection of executive dysfunction and sensory overwhelm in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic and ADHD. It highlights the daily struggles of knowing what would provide relief while being unable to initiate or complete the necessary tasks due to neurological barriers. The piece calls for compassionate, accessible support systems that understand this internal conflict and prioritize real, practical care over assumptions about motivation or effort.
The Sensory Politics of Clothing: Fashion as Regulation, Armor, and Language
For neurodivergent people, clothing is not just about style but a critical tool for sensory regulation, emotional safety, self-expression, and communication. Fashion can serve as both a site of masking and a powerful means of unmasking, especially when societal expectations around dress codes, gender norms, and professionalism conflict with comfort and autonomy. Honoring neurodivergent relationships with clothing means recognizing it as an access need and respecting it as a form of agency, identity, and resistance.
Sensory Trauma: Understanding the Lasting Impact of Sensory Overload
Sensory trauma occurs when repeated or intense sensory overload overwhelms the nervous system, leaving lasting emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on neurodivergent individuals. These experiences, often dismissed or misunderstood by others, can lead to heightened sensitivity, avoidance behaviors, and difficulty trusting one's own needs. Healing from sensory trauma involves creating safe environments, validating sensory responses, and building a life that honors and protects our sensory experiences with compassion and care.
Creating a Neurodivergent-Friendly Workspace at Home or in the Office
Creating a neurodivergent-friendly workspace, whether at home or in an office, requires intentional adjustments to accommodate sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, and diverse work styles. Strategies such as customizable lighting, noise control, flexible seating, structured task management, and inclusive communication practices can significantly improve productivity and well-being for autistic and ADHD individuals. By recognizing and valuing neurodivergent needs, workplaces can foster more accessible, supportive environments where all employees can thrive without compromising their comfort or authenticity.
Autism and Alyxithymia: Understanding the Disconnect Between Emotions and Words
Alexithymia, a common experience among autistic individuals, makes it difficult to identify and verbalize emotions, leading to misunderstandings in relationships and challenges with emotional regulation. While autistic people with alexithymia may feel emotions intensely, they often struggle to recognize them in real-time, which can contribute to anxiety, frustration, and difficulties in seeking support. By shifting societal expectations around emotional expression and embracing alternative ways of processing and communicating feelings, we can create more inclusive and understanding environments for neurodivergent individuals.
Why I’ll Never Force Eye Contact Again—And You Shouldn’t Either
Forcing eye contact is an unnecessary and harmful expectation that makes communication more difficult for many autistic people, draining energy and creating discomfort without improving engagement. Neurotypical social norms assume that eye contact is essential for connection, but autistic individuals often communicate more effectively when allowed to look away, focus on a neutral point, or use alternative forms of engagement. Letting go of the demand for eye contact fosters more inclusive and meaningful conversations, allowing people to connect in ways that align with their natural communication styles.
Neurodivergent Joy is Resistance: Finding Happiness in a World That Others Us
Finding joy as a neurodivergent person is a radical act of resistance against a world that tries to suppress our authentic selves. Embracing our special interests, sensory experiences, and community allows us to reclaim happiness on our own terms, free from societal expectations of productivity and conformity. By prioritizing joy, rest, and self-acceptance, we assert our right to exist fully and unapologetically, creating a more affirming and inclusive future for ourselves and others.
What are Sensory Sensitivities and What Do I Do About Them?
Sensory sensitivities mean that everyday sights, sounds, textures, and smells can feel much more intense and sometimes overwhelming, impacting your emotional and physical experience. These unique perceptions can be both challenging and enriching, allowing you to notice subtle details and beauty that others might miss, while also requiring adjustments to maintain comfort. By understanding your triggers and creating supportive environments and routines, you can honor your sensory profile and live more comfortably and authentically.
Sensory Processing Isn’t Just About Sensory Sensitivities—It’s About Sensory Joy, Too
Sensory processing differences are often discussed in terms of challenges, but for many neurodivergent individuals, they also bring deep sensory joy—whether through textures, sounds, movement, or nature. The intense pleasure of certain sensory experiences, like the feel of soft fabrics, the rhythm of music, or the grounding presence of nature, is just as real as sensory sensitivities, yet it is often overlooked. Recognizing and embracing sensory joy allows neurodivergent people to fully engage with their environment, self-regulate, and experience the world in ways that are meaningful, fulfilling, and uniquely their own.
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.