This is your last week to sign up for our Resin Jewelry making Neurodivergent Adventure.  Once we are out of spots, that's it!

 

We meet at Linda Blackbourn Jewelry in Baltimore from 1-3.  Her space can accommodate half of us at a time.  We have reserved some space outside to hang out if you'd like!  La Cuchara is next door if you're hungry or thirsty!

 

Our last ND Adventure was PHENOMENAL.  Thank you again to Maggie Bell-Walker.  She blew my mind with OT options for Autistic Adults.  I haven't stopped thinking about it since we left! Occupational Therapy is something that many of us think about for children, but there are SO many ways it can help adults too!
If you want to know more, the powerpoint she shared with us is on her website!  Maggie is an incredible resource in our area!

 

Thank you to everyone who came out.  You are all VERY brave, and I loved seeing you all.  

One spot left for our November Unmasked and Unplugged retreat!!!
 

Our chef, cohost, and director of chaos and logistics, Ethan has been (hyperfixated)…I mean….busy… emailing all of our favorite companies for sponsorships!  If 2025 has you down, you should know that there are A LOT of companies that are psyched to support what we do at this retreat!  Some fabulous surprises await you, if you're joining us in November!

And even if you're not joining us this time around, I'm excited to show you some of the ND friendly products that Ethan found!

 

If you (like most of us) have ever experienced Autistic Burnout, I would love for you to check out my latest article in Psychotherapy Networker Magazine: “The Truth About Autistic Burnout: Regaining Homeostasis in a Neurotypical World.”

 

And if you’ve never heard of Autistic Burnout, or you’re not sure if what you’ve experienced counts….I’d still love for you to read it. The characters in the article are composites of the real stories I hear in my office every day. Their experiences bring to life the overwhelming reality of Autistic Burnout at a time when so many people are struggling to simply hold onto employment, request accommodations, and keep up with daily demands.

 

This piece goes beyond the surface-level comparison to depression. It explores why Autistic Burnout looks different, why common “self-care” advice often fails, and what actually helps. You’ll meet several clients who look like they “have it all together” on paper, and are struggling deeply to keep their head above water.  The data scientists, parents, leaders, and students in the article find themselves physically and emotionally collapsing under the weight of masking and living unaccommodated. This is real. My hope is that you'll all see a little of yourselves in this article, and know you're not alone.  And hopefully this article can shed some light on VERY important topic in the Neurodivergent world, so that providers outside this “specialty” will also know what to look for.  If none of that sounds interesting to you….my clients’ made-up animal names: Mr. Catatonic and Hydroxyzine (Roxy) the goldendoodle are absolute fire. You’ll meet them too.

 

Whether you’re Autistic yourself, love someone who is, or work in the mental health field, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates. At its heart, this article is about survival, self-understanding, and rethinking what it takes to sustain ourselves in a world that isn’t built for us.  If you know any providers who would benefit from some updated information on Autism Burnout, please share!

 

Psychotherapy Networker Magazine is a paid subscription, but here is a free code if you'd like to check it out.  There are some fabulous articles in this issue!

Free Subscription

  I'm presenting on the topic of High Masking Autism and Autistic Trauma in the next few months and am expecting mainstream audiences.  I'm looking for a few brave souls who might be willing to share their experiences of getting a late in life diagnosis.  I'm especially interested in harm caused by providers (mental health providers or doctors) who weren't trained in High Masking Autism.  If you have a few moments and would be willing to answer a few questions on a zoom call, I would be very appreciative.  This can be entirely confidential as far as the presentation goes, or you are welcome to share your identity.  

 

Personal accounts are a powerful way to show how harm is caused by broken systems! I'd love to share your story so we can work to improve health care for Autistic people!

Email me if you're interested!

Lastly, I give you the Autism shutdown/meltdown protocol! 
This is a guide to whoever is near you in 2025.  Share this so that your support squad can help you when you need it. 
 

Meltdowns and Shutdowns are a big part of living in an unpredictable world in 2025.  Adults have meltdowns.  Let's say that again….Autistic adults have meltdowns!  So we are working on dropping the shame.  A meltdown is nothing more than a nervous system that is TAPPED OUT!  It's not a tantrum.  It's not stonewalling.  It's not attention-seeking, and it's not manipulation.  If you have shutdowns or meltdowns, you're not alone.  

 

Many partners/family members have no idea how to help. It can be scary to watch someone you love come unglued.  Let them check this out in a calm moment, so they know how they can support you when things get tough.