By Amanda Neal, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist Wanting friendship and knowing how to build it are different experiences. An autistic young adult may want closer connections but feel unsure how to join a conversation. A person with ADHD may connect easily at first, then struggle to follow up, manage interruptions, or keep plans. Someone with both autism and ADHD may find that social connection requires more energy, planning, and recovery time than others realize. Social skills tr

When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. We all deserve to feel understood, supported, and empowered as we navigate our unique journeys. Tailored mental health services offer a gentle, guiding hand to help us build resilience and embrace change with confidence. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, a child, or your entire family, personalized care can open doors to healing and growth. Understanding Therapy Benefits for Famil

By Dr. Amanda Neal, PsyD | Licensed Psychologist Election season can bring a heightened sense of uncertainty, emotional intensity, and information overload. Between breaking news, social media discussions, conflicting opinions, and anticipation about election results, it can become difficult to disconnect from political information and return attention to everyday life. For autistic individuals and people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), election-related

By Dr. Amanda Neal, PsyD | Licensed Psychologist Emotional overwhelm can make it difficult to pause, think clearly, or respond effectively. For autistic individuals and people with ADHD, unexpected changes, sensory overload, frustration, and interpersonal conflict may intensify emotional reactions. The DBT STOP skill is a distress tolerance strategy that helps create space between an emotional trigger and a behavioral response. When adapted for neurodivergent individuals, it

By Dr. Amanda Neal, PsyD | Licensed Psychologist Emotional dysregulation is a common challenge for many autistic individuals and people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Intense emotions, sensory overload, difficulty managing frustration, unexpected changes, and interpersonal stress can make everyday experiences feel overwhelming. For individuals with co-occurring autism and ADHD, often referred to as AuDHD, emotional regulation may become particularly com

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers valuable skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and navigating relationships. However, autistic individuals and those with ADHD or AuDHD may benefit from modifications to traditional DBT that account for their unique cognitive, sensory, communication, and executive functioning profiles. Why Does Traditional DBT Sometimes Need Adaptation? Traditional DBT frequently incorporates abstract concepts, mindfulness exercises, self

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help autistic adults develop emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. However, traditional DBT may require thoughtful adaptations to address autistic individuals' sensory, cognitive, communication, and executive functioning needs. Why Might Autistic Adults Benefit From DBT? Many autistic individuals experience emotional overwhelm, sensory overload, chronic stress, or difficulty recogn

It’s 9:00 p.m., and your young adult storms into the kitchen. “I’m never going to be good at anything,” they say, tossing their backpack on the floor. You feel the familiar tug-of-war beginning. Part of you wants to reassure them—“Of course you’ll be fine”—while another part of you wants to snap, “Stop being so dramatic.” Both instincts come from love, but neither helps. Within minutes, what started as a small spark of frustration can turn into a full-blown family conflict. I

When life feels overwhelming, and emotions seem too heavy to carry alone, finding the right support can make all the difference. Mental...

Is Your Child Struggling with Emotional Outbursts? Discover the Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) Is your...

Living with constant intrusive thoughts or rituals can feel overwhelming and exhausting. You may wonder if what you’re experiencing, or what your child is experiencing, could be OCD. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder affects people of all ages, from children to adults. The hopeful news is that effective therapy exists, and with the right treatment, individuals can find freedom from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the di

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or...

Finding Balance with DBT A Practical Overview of DBT Skills for College Students and Young Adults with Autism College life can feel like...

If you're raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , you're already familiar with how important personalized support can be....

Parenting a neurodivergent child , whether they’re navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)...