The “Dopamine Menu”: A Lifeline for Thriving with ADHD
Written by: Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach If you are living with ADHD, the pursuit of dopamine is a central theme in your daily life. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is linked to motivation, reward, and focus. Dopamine often operates at lower levels in ADHD brains, which makes i
Neurodivergent-Affirming vs. Neurodivergent-Informed Care
Written by: Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD :: The Neurodivergent Collective’s Clinical Director Neurodivergent care is evolving, and with it comes the need to differentiate between two essential but distinct approaches: neurodivergent-affirming care and neurodivergent-informed care. While both are critical, they
The Impact of Neurodivergent Shame
The Impact of Neurodivergent Shame An Interview with :: Alicia Marie Hutton, MS, LMFT, ACRPS HOW DOES SHAME PRESENT ITS SELF WITH NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE? So when I work with neurodivergent folks, one of the biggest themes that I see is shame. And most often when they come into the therapy room and I see them [&h
Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries During the Holidays
Written By: Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD | Clinical Director The holidays can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many autistic and ADHD adults navigating mental health recovery, they can also be a season of heightened stress, overstimulation, triggers, and challenging family dynamics. If you
Embracing ADHD-Friendly Holiday Traditions
Written by: Alicia Marie Hutton, MS, LMFT, ACRPS As the holiday season approaches and the to-do list grows, many ADHD folks experience a surge in guilt and shame. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or New Year’s, the holidays often bring societal expectations that place a heavy bur
A Clinical Assessment of ADHD
Interview with Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD :: Clinical Director What is ADHD? How would you explain this condition to a patient or a loved one? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. When explaining ADHD to a patie