Waiting for professional services such as speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, or occupational therapy can be a long and challenging process for families. For parents of autistic children, this wait can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to do everything possible to help your child grow and thrive. While you may not yet have access to the specialists your child needs…
Conversations about college readiness for autistic students are becoming more common—and that’s a good thing. Higher education has never been more accessible, but accessibility does not automatically mean readiness. When we talk about college readiness, the conversation often focuses on academic performance. Yet, the reality is that many college students, regardless of background, arrive on…
Starting college can be exciting but also overwhelming. For most students, it’s a big life change. For someone who doesn’t yet know they are autistic, this transition can be even harder. I began my freshman year without understanding my own neurodivergence. It wasn’t until that year that I started to uncover my identity as an autistic person. This process came with confusion, self-doubt…
As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), I have the privilege of working closely with children, adults, and families in the autism community. Over the years, my role has gone far beyond helping people communicate—it has become a mission to advocate for understanding, inclusion, and respect for neurodiversity. This year, I decided to take that mission beyond the therapy room by running the Big Sur…
Growing up, I always felt different from everyone else. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s as a child, and later re-diagnosed with autism after high school. School life often made me feel like no one truly understood what I was going through. I didn’t see myself reflected anywhere—not in my classmates, and certainly not in the TV shows and movies I watched.
That changed the first time I saw A…
Summer can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down, explore new activities, and enjoy more time together as a family. For parents of autistic children, the season may also bring some challenges, especially with the longer days and less structured routines. While the change in pace can feel uncertain at first, it also creates space for flexibility, creativity, and connection. With thoughtful…
Social media is a big part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok make it easier than ever to stay connected, share moments, and keep up with the latest news. However, research shows that spending too much time online can also bring negative effects—especially on mental health. Many studies suggest that social media use can contribute to…
Living with depression can be hard enough on its own, but when sleep disturbances enter the picture, it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle. The more depressed you feel, the harder it becomes to fall asleep or stay asleep. On the other hand, the more sleep-deprived and exhausted you are, the tougher it is to manage depression symptoms. This cycle can feel impossible to break, but…
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting around 21 million adults in the United States each year. Yet, only about 61% of those experiencing a major depressive episode receive treatment. For many, accessing traditional, in-person therapy is difficult due to cost, location, mobility challenges, or the lack of available providers. Fortunately, online therapy services…
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can appear at almost any stage of life and can make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. Understanding the causes and risk factors of depression can help people recognize potential triggers and seek the right help early.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is…