Before I knew I was neurodivergent, I chose psychology because I had this gut sense that the more I learned, the more I could understand myself. I didn’t have the language yet. No “AuDHD,” no “sensory profile,” no “masking.” Just a deep pull toward understanding the human mind, especially the parts that didn’t quite fit the standard mold.
Continue reading “Why I Left ABA: A Late-Diagnosed AuDHD Therapist’s Story”
When you hear the term “PDA,” you might first think of “public displays of affection”. But in neurodivergent communities, PDA often stands for something different: Persistent Drive for Autonomy.
This is a way of being that’s sometimes still called “Pathological Demand Avoidance” (especially in clinical contexts), but that language is falling out of favor and for good reason. “Persistent Drive for Autonomy” reframes the experience in a more compassionate, neuro-affirming way, recognizing that the behaviors often labeled as “avoidance” are actually rooted in a deep, valid need for autonomy and safety.
Let’s break down what PDA actually is, how it shows up in kids vs. adults, and how to support someone who moves through the world this way.
Continue reading “Understanding Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)”
Here’s why I would NEVER call the police for any mental health crisis. Ever. Every year, hundreds of people in the U.S. are killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Many are BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or otherwise marginalized. They needed care. They got force. These aren’t isolated tragedies. They are the result of a system built on control, not compassion.
Continue reading “Mental Health Crises Shouldn’t Be a Death Sentence: Police-Free Support Options and the Lives We’ve Lost”