ADHD, Autism & Neurodiversity Blog

Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Breaking the "Doom-Scroll" Cycle: How a Dopamine Menu Can Reset Your Brain

Do you ever find yourself "trapped" on your phone, scrolling through endless reels or news feeds even though you aren't actually enjoying it? You want to stop, but your thumb just keeps moving. If you have an ADHD or Autistic brain, this isn't a "laziness" problem or a lack of willpower. It’s a neurobiological response to dopamine deficiency.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

What is it Like to Be a Woman with Autism?

Being a woman with autism is a paradox. We're often expected to be the social butterflies, the emotional guides, the masters of empathy. Yet, for many of us, these very expectations are like kryptonite to our already-strained bandwidth.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Therapy for People with High Functioning Autism

Therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been recognized as valuable tools in supporting individuals with Autism. In this blog post, we will explore what CBT and DBT are and the potential benefits for people with High Functioning Autism.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy for People with Autism and ADHD

At the Thriving Wellness Center, we offer a comprehensive approach to support individuals with Autism. Our therapeutic interventions draw upon the principles of Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other complementary modalities. In this blog post, we will explore what Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy is, its principles, and the potential benefits it offers for fostering acceptance, empowerment, and well-being.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Mastering the Art of Socializing: 8 Tips to Help You Shine

Socializing is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, but for many, it can feel daunting and challenging. In this post, we'll share practical tips to help you navigate social situations with confidence and authenticity, fostering meaningful connections along the way.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Dating with Autism: Embracing Love's Spectrum

Dating can be a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but for individuals on the autism spectrum, it often presents unique challenges. With understanding, open-mindedness, and support, individuals with autism can forge meaningful and fulfilling romantic connections. Read on for valuable insights and strategies to navigate the world of dating with autism.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Do I have Depression or Autistic Burnout?

Autistic burnout is distinct from occupational burnout and from depression but because the symptoms are similar some people may be diagnosed with depression when they have autism or vice versa.  Read on to learn the differences between depression and autistic burnout and how to reduce or prevent autistic burnout.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Understanding Autism Levels 1, 2, and 3: Signs, Symptoms, and Support

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are diagnosed with having either ASD Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, depending on their symptom severity how much support is needed in daily life. The levels range from least to most severe, with ASD Level 1 describing an individual who has the least severe level of ASD symptoms, and ASD Level 3 describing someone with symptoms on the more severe end of the spectrum.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

7 Ways That Therapy Can Help Your Dating Life

Have you ever wondered how therapy can make a difference in your dating life if you are single? We work with many clients who come to therapy hoping to work through things that may be holding them from finding love. In therapy, we are able to shed light on unhealthy patterns, emotions and reasons why you may be seeking out the wrong type of partner.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a way of describing certain symptoms associated with ADHD. RSD is an overwhelming emotional sensation that a person may experience in response to an actual or perceived rejection or criticism. Read on to learn signs of RSD and how to treat it.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

How to Find a Career that Suits Your Neurodivergence

Finding the “right” job is hard for everyone but when you add ADHD or Autism to the mix, it can seem like an impossible task. Read on to learn how to both discover your strengths, and also find a job that fits those strengths.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

3 Quick and Easy Mindfulness Meditations for ADHD Brains

Engaging in meditation mindfulness can help increase focus and feelings of well-being, and decrease feelings of anxiety, depression and rejection sensitivity. Practice these three simple and easy mindfulness meditations to help calm your ADHD brain.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

5 Ways to Create an Autism Friendly Work Environment

People with autism make valuable employees because of the many strengths they possess including high attention to detail, strong ability to concentrate, and creative thinking skills. Here are five ways to help create an autism-friendly work environment.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

7 Easy Ways to Improve Symptoms of ADHD

Executive functioning refers to the cognitive and mental abilities that help you engage in goal-directed action. ADHD is a disease of impairments in executive functioning skills. Here, learn 7 easy ways to improve your executive functioning skills and decrease your symptoms of ADHD by reducing stress and improving self-esteem.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Simple Activities to Help Your ADHD

Executive function skills are the skills that help us establish structures and strategies for managing projects and determine the actions required to move each project forward. To improve any executive function, practice is critical. Here, learn how to improve core executive functions through recommended activities, exercises, and games.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Unofficial ADHD and ADD Checklist

People that come to the Thriving Wellness Center often ask us, “How do I know if I have ADHD?” Our ADHD therapists who work primary with people with ADHD and ADD complied this comprehensive list of ADHD traits and signs.

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

8 Signs of Autism in Women

Autism is frequently misunderstood, and that's especially true in women. Many women with undiagnosed autism go their entire lives believing something is wrong with them because they do not communicate or behave like others around them. 

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Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP Written by Leila Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Asperger’s vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

You may hear people describe Aspergers Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder as completely the same thing, or, as two completely diagnosis’s. Which is correct? Well, they both are… to some degree.

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