The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)—a quick, parent- or teacher-completed tool that identifies key autistic traits in school-aged kids—but its inclusion is always at the clinician’s discretion based on your family’s unique needs.

This article provides guidance for parents, caregivers, and professionals on how to support autistic people in navigating pornography safely, promoting healthy sexual development, and fostering respectful relationships.

For many autistic individuals, noise is not simply background sound; it is information the brain processes intensely, rapidly, and sometimes painfully. While everyone experiences loud or sudden noises as unpleasant, autistic people often notice sounds that others filter out automatically.

We know that autism presents differently for each individual, with varying levels of support needed. This post highlights Autism Level 3, which is often described as requiring very substantial support.

At Thriving Wellness Center, we recognize that autism exists on a spectrum — and with that comes a wide variety of support needs. In this post, we focus on Autism Level 2, sometimes described as “requiring substantial support.

Many people with Autism Level 1 go through childhood, and even adulthood, without a diagnosis. Their differences may be mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, shyness, or personality quirks. Understanding the underlying neurotype can be life-changing.

For many autistic adults masking becomes second nature. Masking refers to consciously or unconsciously camouflaging autistic traits to blend in, appear “neurotypical,” or avoid judgment. Over time, the constant effort to perform in a world not built for your neurology can lead to autistic burnout—a deep state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.

At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in adult autism evaluations and therapy for individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s across New Jersey and New York, and virtually. Whether you’re just starting to suspect you might be on the spectrum or you’re ready to begin a formal assessment, knowing what to expect can make the process less overwhelming and more empowering.

Relationships can be challenging under the best of circumstances. When one or both partners are neurodiverse navigating communication, emotional intimacy, and daily life can present unique challenges. At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in helping neurodiverse couples counseling clients in New York and New Jersey build stronger, more fulfilling relationships by fostering understanding, empathy, and practical strategies tailored to each partner’s brain.

ASD and ADHD are two of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions. While each has its own distinct diagnostic criteria, they often share overlapping features, and many individuals experience both. This co-occurring profile is sometimes referred to as AuDHD. Understanding the similarities, differences, and unique ways these conditions interact can help demystify co-occurring diagnoses.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety often co-occur, creating challenges that can affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Finding the right ADHD therapy and therapy for anxiety is essential for managing symptoms effectively.

While an ADHD test online can be a useful first step, it is important to know the difference between self-screening tools and a formal ADHD evaluation. This article reviews the pros and cons of online ADHD testing, clarifies what these tools can (and cannot) do, and offers guidance on what to do next if you suspect you may have ADHD.

Many adults go through life without realizing they may be on the autism spectrum. Some may have struggled with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, or executive functioning challenges for years without a clear explanation. If you’ve been wondering whether an adult autism test could provide answers, this guide will help you understand what to expect, the signs that prompt testing, and how the evaluation process works.

Adult ADHD is often overlooked, leaving many adults struggling with attention, focus, and organization challenges without support. If you’ve been wondering whether you might benefit from an adult ADHD test, this guide will help you recognize the signs, understand how testing works, and know when to seek an evaluation.

Receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring profound relief, validation, and direction. It helps explain long-standing patterns in attention, sensory sensitivity, emotional regulation, and social communication that may have been misunderstood or dismissed for years. Diagnosis opens the door to appropriate, affirming support, making it possible to navigate life with more authenticity, energy, and self-compassion.

Parenting a child with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges but also offers meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and understanding. Whether your child was recently diagnosed or you’re just beginning to explore neurodivergence, these strategies can help you support your child more effectively and build a calmer, more connected home.

Unlike therapy sessions that may center on diagnostic labels or clinical goals, parent coaching is designed to meet you where you are. It focuses on building understanding, compassion, and real-world skills that help your child thrive while supporting your own emotional well-being as a parent.

If you're a young woman who has recently been diagnosed with Autism or suspects you may be autistic, you're not alone. More and more women are seeking autism-informed psychotherapy to better understand themselves and receive the support they’ve always needed—but didn’t know how to ask for. At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in therapy that affirms the unique experiences of neurodivergent women.

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling phrases like “Do I have Asperger’s?” or “How do I get tested for autism as an adult?”—you’re not alone. Many teens and adults go through life feeling “different,” “too much,” or like they’re constantly masking to fit in, only to later discover that undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be the missing piece.

When it comes to women and girls, autism often remains underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This gap can lead to a lack of understanding, missed support opportunities, and significant challenges for those navigating life without the resources they deserve.