For those on the autism spectrum and with other neurological differences, the world can often be an intense sensory experience. Everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes that may go unnoticed by neurotypical individuals can be amplified and overwhelming for neurodivergent people. This sensory overload can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and a desperate need to stim (self-stimulatory behaviour) to...
Everybody has experienced feeling unmotivated at some point in their lives. Although every person may experience various roadblocks to motivation, the underlying struggle is something we all can relate to. Knowing what's causing your motivational low is the first step towards addressing it and gaining your drive restored. Our levels of motivation can be influenced by a wide range of...
Motivation is the fuel that propels us forward, the driving force behind our actions and decisions. It's that inner spark that ignites our ambition, perseverance, and determination. But what exactly is motivation, and what are the different types that influence our behaviour? In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of motivation, consider various types, and shed light on...
Have you ever felt stuck and unable to escape a difficult situation, even when a solution was possible? This phenomenon is known as learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs when an individual faces challenging situations but feels incapable of finding solutions, even if they are readily available. Those struggling with learned helplessness often express frequent complaints, feeling overwhelmed and powerless...
Happiness and wellbeing can seem fleeting. We strive for them, yet they are often realised only in hindsight. Though most agree well-being is essential, our culture and competing priorities don't always align with experiencing it. Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, put forth the PERMA model outlining five building blocks of human flourishing. PERMA provides a framework beyond just...
Going back to school can be stressful for everyone in the family. New faces, new rooms, new teachers, etc. For some children and teens (and adults too!), change can be incredibly difficult to move through. Sometimes it can be useful to sit down with your child or teen and discuss what might feel scary or difficult about returning to school and...
What does it truly mean to live life to the fullest and flourish? This profound question has been contemplated for centuries, across cultures and philosophies. While there are no definitive answers, modern psychology provides a framework for breaking down the components of a deeply fulfilling human life. Flourishing is one of the most promising concepts illuminated through the field of...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can significantly impact a person's ability to regulate behaviour and attention. One of the core deficits associated with ADHD is impaired executive functioning. As we discussed in a previous post on neurodiversity and executive functioning, executive functions are cognitive processes that help us with planning, organisation, managing time,...
What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity refers to variation in how people think, process information, and interact with the world around them. First coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, the term recognises that conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more are simply natural differences in neurocognitive functioning. Neurodiversity encompasses the idea that differences in brain functioning are normal and should...
Gender identity development is complex, personal, and unique to each individual. For some, it’s a smooth trajectory that aligns with their sex assigned at birth. For others, it’s a winding path of questioning, exploration, and discovery. As a parent, you may notice your pre-teen or early adolescent child expressing curiosity about gender. They may ask questions, explore different forms of...
