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Is Chaos Good for Us? A Personal Reflection
Not all chaos feels the same. Some of it overwhelms me completely, especially with AuDHD and the weight of caregiving. But other kinds—the unexpected, unplanned, imperfect moments—become the memories I return to most.…
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When Picky Eating Is More Than Picky Eating: Understanding ARFID
I’ve always considered myself a picky eater, but my godson taught me there’s a difference between being selective with food and experiencing something deeper. Through learning about ARFID, I’ve discovered how closely food…
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More Than a Label: Celebrating the Boy I Love
On her godson's 8th birthday, the author reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences with autism. She emphasizes that autism is just one aspect of a person’s identity, advocating for understanding beyond…
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The Role of Food in Autism and Comfort Routines
The author reflects on their relationship with food, particularly how being diagnosed with autism helped them understand their preferences for familiar meals like beef taquitos and In-N-Out burgers. These foods provided comfort and…
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The Shame After a Meltdown
Meltdowns often leave lasting emotional scars that exceed their immediate chaos. The aftermath includes feelings of shame, guilt, and self-hatred that can linger long after the incident. True healing lies in how we…
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What Autism Really Looks Like: My Personal Experience
Autism Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of living with autism beyond stereotypes. The author shares personal experiences of sensory overwhelm, irritability, social burnout, and emotional struggles, emphasizing that autism…
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Why Traditional Self-Care Advice Doesn’t Always Work for Me
Growing up, I never really thought of self-care as something essential. Truthfully, I didn’t think about it much at all. I just pushed through everything—school, homework, soccer practices—all while silently feeling exhausted and…
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How to Overcome Negative Emotions with Compassion
For most of my life, I’ve had a negative view of myself, my actions, and my behaviors. I’ve always been my harshest critic, so when I feel like I’m failing in some aspect…
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The Truth About Creativity: Beyond Perfectionism
For most of my life, I believed creativity had to be perfect to be worth sharing. I thought that if I made something clumsy or lackluster, I would be shamed for it. I…
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Post-Vacation Blues: Coming Home After an Amazing Trip
Do you ever get post-vacation blues? I certainly do. For me, there’s nothing like going on vacation—exploring new places, trying new things, and spending time with loved ones. But when it ends, I…
