What are the Archetypes of the Odyssey? Odysseus as Trickster, Achilles as Warrior, Menelaus as King Homer's two epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, present different archetypes of male heroes engaged in a cosmic battle that transcends the mortal realm. The Iliad explores the tension between the warrior archetype, embodied by Achilles, and the king archetype, represented by Menelaus. While Menelaus longs for the glory and honor of the battlefield, he is ultimately dependent on Achilles' prowess as a warrior to...
All Brains Are Awesome:
A Kid's Guide to Neurodiversity Hey there! Did you know that everyone's brain works a little differently? It's true! Just like how some people have curly hair and others have straight hair, or some people are tall and others are short, our brains can be different too. This is called neurodiversity, and it's what makes each of us special and unique. What Does Neurodiversity Mean? Imagine your brain is like a super cool computer. Every computer can do amazing things, but some are better at certain tasks than...
Nurturing Neurodivergent Kids: Embracing Unique Minds in a Diverse World Understanding Neurodiversity in Children Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and minds. In children, this can manifest as conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Many children have multiple co-occurring neurodevelopmental differences, creating a unique cognitive profile for each child. Recognizing Neurodivergence in Children Signs of neurodivergence can vary widely but may include: Differences in social...
Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout:
When the Cognitive Tank Runs Dry Understanding Neurodivergent Burnout Neurodivergent burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that occurs when the demands of navigating a neurotypical world exceed an individual's resources. While burnout can affect anyone, it often manifests differently and more intensely in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with multiple co-occurring conditions. The Complexity of Burnout Across Conditions Burnout can present uniquely depending on an individual's...
Unmasking Neurodiversity:
The Complex Art of Hiding in Plain Sight Understanding Masking in Neurodivergent Individuals Masking, also known as camouflaging, is a common phenomenon among neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with multiple co-occurring conditions. It refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of natural behaviors and the adoption of neurotypical social norms to fit in. While masking can be a survival strategy in a world not designed for neurodivergent minds, it often comes at a significant personal cost. The...
Embracing Neurodiversity:
Understanding and Supporting Complex Neurological Profiles The Reality of Neurodevelopmental Complexity As we've explored in our series on comorbid conditions, neurodevelopmental and neurological differences rarely occur in isolation. Whether we're discussing the intersection of ADHD and bipolar disorder, autism and OCD, or the complex interplay between physical conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and neurodevelopmental differences, one thing becomes clear: human neurology is intricate and diverse. Common...
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Autism and ADHD:
Navigating the Intersection of Physical and Neurodevelopmental Differences What is EDS with Autism and ADHD? Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that can co-occur with neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Recent research suggests a higher prevalence of autism and ADHD in individuals with EDS compared to the general population. When someone has EDS along with autism and/or ADHD, we refer to this...
Autism and Alexithymia:
Navigating the Complexities of Emotional Understanding What is Autism with Alexithymia? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and alexithymia are distinct neurological conditions that frequently co-occur. Research suggests that up to 50% of autistic individuals may also experience alexithymia, a condition characterized by difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions. When someone has both autism and alexithymia, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Autism-Alexithymia. The Diagnostic Evolution of...
Dyslexia and ADHD:
Unraveling the Complexities of Learning and Attention What is Dyslexia with ADHD? Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that frequently co-occur. Research suggests that up to 40% of individuals with dyslexia also meet criteria for ADHD. When someone has both dyslexia and ADHD, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Dyslexia-ADHD. The Diagnostic Evolution of Dyslexia-ADHD Historically, the reading difficulties associated with dyslexia were...
Depression and Autism:
Navigating the Intersection of Mood and Neurodiversity What is Depression with Autism? Depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are distinct conditions that can co-occur. Research suggests that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of developing depression, with some studies indicating rates as high as 40%. When someone has both depression and autism, we refer to this unique neurological profile as Depression-Autism. The Diagnostic Evolution of Depression-Autism Historically, depression in autistic...