Blog - Page 2 of 14 - Living Lotus Therapy®

What Actually Helps Autistic Kids?

photo of a girl throwing sheets of paper

One of the most common questions I hear from families after receiving an autism diagnosis is: What therapy should we pick? Underneath that question is often fear, pressure, and the sense that choosing the “wrong” therapy could change the course of a child’s life. That fear is understandable. The world constantly tells parents that children must be shaped, corrected, or normalized as quickly as possible. This creates urgency where none is needed.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Autistic Burnout and Microtraumas: Understanding Chronic Stress in Neurodivergence

By: Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT™

crop sad woman covering head with hood in autumn park

Autistic people often describe facing a unique form of burnout and accumulative “microtraumas” in their daily lives. Autistic burnout is an intense state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that comes from chronic stress and a long-term mismatch between an autistic person’s needs and the expectations placed on them. In the same manner, microtraumas are the small, everyday incidents of stress or invalidation, such as being overwhelmed by sensory input or being pressured to behave in a neurotypical way. That may seem minor in isolation but compound over time. Let’s explore what autistic burnout and microtraumas are, the science and theory behind them (including neurodivergence, sensory overload, masking, and cumulative stress), personal experiences, and practical steps for prevention and recovery.

Understanding the Types of Psychological Evaluations

Not All Evaluations Are the Same: A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

If you’re exploring questions about ADHD, autism, learning differences, or sensory processing, you may be considering a psychological evaluation. But figuring out where to start can be confusing. Should you go through the school? Do you need a neuropsychological evaluation or exam? What about modified assessments that aren’t as intensive or costly?

This post breaks down the five main types of psychological evaluations—school-based, clinical, neuropsychological, modified/adapted, and specialized. Whether you’re pursuing a formal diagnosis, looking for support, or exploring your neurodivergent identity, understanding your options helps you make an informed and empowered choice.