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Deck the Halls with Emotional Overload: A Neurodivergent Perspective

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Deck the Halls with Emotional Overload: A Neurodivergent Perspective Understanding how my brain works—and how fundamentally different it is from others—has been a long and challenging journey. Living as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world often feels like being taught to navigate a Microsoft system when all you have access to is a Mac computer. A World Built for Others Imagine this scenario: You’ve been meticulously trained on how to use a Microsoft system—learning every click, every process. But when you sit down at a Mac, the tools you’ve been given sometimes work, but often they don’t. Despite your best efforts, you’re told, “You’re not doing it right,” and are scolded for not following the instructions. The frustration, confusion, and unfairness are constant. This is what it feels like to navigate a world built for neurotypical people as a neurodivergent individual. During the holidays and other high-excitement times, the differences in how my brain functions become eve...
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 When the Mask Comes Off: The Emotional Journey of Living as Neurodivergent

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  When the Mask Comes Off: The Emotional Journey of Living as Neurodivergent I recently responded to a discussion in a Facebook group where a mother anonymously shared her struggles with her daughter’s behavior. Parenting, in general, can feel isolating and lonely, but these feelings are often magnified when raising a Neurodivergent child. It's not because our children are "bad" or "disabled," but because they don’t fit into society's narrow idea of how children should behave. The shame we experience can intensify the pain of living as a Neurodivergent. Society has deeply ingrained expectations about how children should act, and when those expectations aren’t met, it can feel as if the child is doing something “wrong.” This often invites judgment—not just from strangers but sometimes even from family members. It’s this societal gap that makes raising a Neurodivergent child not only difficult but profoundly isolating. On top of that, children with ADHD often ...
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Don’t dim your light my love, the world can wear shades! A hard look at the complexities of walking the tight rope, coaching your child to be unapologetically themselves and behaving in a way that is socially acceptable!

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  It’s been a while since I was a preteen, but the pain of that time resurfaced yesterday when my daughter’s words echoed the experiences of my 11-year-old self. Being a preteen is challenging for anyone, but for a neurodivergent girl, it adds a unique layer of difficulty. Her heartfelt expression broke my adult heart and awakened the little girl I used to be. She said, "When I try to be myself, everyone tells me I’m being extra. They say I’m doing too much; they tell me to calm down. When I’m calm and focused, they ask me what’s wrong. I’m never who they want me to be." How do you explain to an 11-year-old that the world may not be ready for her vibrant light? I’m amazed she can articulate this, as those feelings were once mine, but I couldn’t communicate them. The struggle to manage our identities to fit societal norms can make us forget who we truly are. We may feel like a collection of masks, wearing different versions of ourselves based on what’s needed daily. How do you...
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A Heartfelt Tribute to the Educators Who Shaped My Journey

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  A Change of Pace: A Heartfelt Tribute to the Educators Who Shaped My Journey I've often shared the challenges and obstacles I faced in my educational journey, however, I want to take a moment to reflect on something different—the incredible educators who played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. While my journey started with struggles, it was the influence of these remarkable teachers that turned it into something extraordinary. I was fortunate that my educational career didn't end the way it began, and I owe much of that to the inspiring individuals who guided me along the way. Mrs. Goodman: Sparking Curiosity in 6th Grade One of the earliest influences in my life was Mrs. Goodman, my 6th-grade social studies teacher. She had an incredible ability to make learning come alive. She nurtured my curiosity, even in something as niche as stamp collecting. I still have the precious Luisa May Alcott stamp she gave me back then. Mrs. Goodman made me feel smart, valued, and exc...
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The Fine Line Between Acknowledging Difficulty and Fueling Excuses

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                                                          The Fine Line Between Acknowledging Difficulty and Fueling Excuses Growing up, my dad had a knack for helping me unpack situations—from soccer games to major life events. While it could be frustrating at times, I credit him with teaching me the invaluable skill of self-reflection. He encouraged me to recognize my limitations and develop strategies to overcome obstacles, ensuring I was prepared when similar challenges arose. My dad didn’t mince words. Whether he was commenting on how I looked in a dress for a semi-formal or weighing in on a major life decision, his honesty was always direct. As a child, I didn’t fully appreciate or understand the power of his straightforwardness. However, I always knew I could trust what he was saying, no matter how tough it was to hear. One day, in a m...
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