In some neurodiverse relationships, building emotional intimacy can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain. We want to be close to our partner, sharing dreams, fears, and everything in between.

But expecting deep emotional closeness all at once can feel overwhelming, especially if one or both partners aren’t used to regularly opening up on that level.

Here’s where psychology’s “Foot-in-the-Door Technique” can help couples ease into a deeper connection without pressure.

The Foot-in-the-Door Technique, originally described in social psychology, suggests that people are more likely to agree to larger requests if they’ve first agreed to smaller ones.

This principle can be a helpful approach in relationships, too, where it can create a gradual path toward greater intimacy. Here’s how it works in couples therapy, along with some tips for using this technique to grow closer in a supportive, low-pressure way.

Meet Emily and David, a couple who’ve not only built a marriage but also an impressive real estate portfolio. They own most of 2 square blocks in downtown of their small hometown in Western Massachusetts, making them known locally as the “power couple.”

David, an entrepreneur on the autism spectrum, is strategic and detail-oriented.

His wife, Emily, is a natural-born leader—a confident, dominant personality who’s decisive in both business and their relationship. Their dynamic is a fascinating balance of strengths, but it also brings challenges.

In therapy, Emily and David are seeking ways to manage their contrasting styles without letting business stress and power struggles erode their relationship.

Let’s explore the unique complexities of being in a relationship with a dominant partner, especially when one partner is on the autism spectrum, and dive into real research-backed strategies to help them—and others—find balance and respect.

Understanding the different states that autistic people navigate—often called "safe mode" and "flexible mode"—can be a transformative approach for caregivers, educators, and friends alike.

These states aren’t rigid; they represent adaptive ways that autistic people respond to the world, based on their environment, sensory input, and sense of safety.

A later-in-life autism diagnosis can prompt a significant identity shift.

Research highlights that adults diagnosed with autism often engage in “retrospective re-evaluation,” where they revisit and reinterpret past experiences through an autism lens (Leedham et al., 2020).

This can lead to a cascade of emotions: relief at finally understanding oneself, grief for past misunderstandings, and often a period of disorientation as they reconstruct their identity with this new knowledge.

Studies show that folks with a late autism diagnosis may experience a form of “identity crisis” as they come to terms with the ways autism has shaped their interactions, experiences, and self-concept (Tan, 2018).

This re-evaluation can be empowering but also mentally exhausting as it often means questioning years or decades of one’s life narrative.

In the wonderful world of internet culture, memes bring people together in relatable, sometimes hilariously specific ways. And if you’re someone who identifies as both neurodivergent and queer, you know that these intersections come with their own set of quirks, challenges, and joys. Enter the “gay neurodiverse meme”—a growing corner of the meme universe where being both queer and neurodivergent is not only celebrated but downright hilarious. These memes capture the nuances of LGBTQ+ neurodivergent life, where sensory overload, literal thinking, and the quest for social belonging all play out in technicolor, with equal parts humor and heart.

The "Coke bottle effect" is a powerful analogy that resonates within the neurodiverse community, particularly among those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.

This term captures a common experience: the build-up of emotions, sensory reactions, and unexpressed thoughts, much like a shaken soda bottle that’s ready to explode.

When internal pressure from perpetual masking becomes too intense, it often leads to an emotional outburst, sometimes unexpectedly.

By exploring this effect, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges neurodiverse folks face—and learn ways to support healthy emotional release.

This post will delve into why the Coke bottle effect is especially common in the neurodiverse community, its manifestations, and research-backed strategies to manage this buildup.

By embracing the metaphor of the Coke bottle effect, we can all work toward creating environments that foster empathy and provide safe outlets for emotional expression.

Welcome to The Neurodivergent Devil’s Dictionary, a whimsical guide to the mind's most wonderful quirks and complexities.

Herein lies a few mischievous definitions, where the terms are familiar but the meanings spin with neurodivergent charm.

Imagine a dictionary reassembled by a troupe of unruly neurons, each one eager to add a bit of mischief, a touch of magic, and a dash of defiance to every definition.

Here, you’ll encounter words that shapeshift under the lens of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and beyond, where "routine" means anything but, and "focus" is more like a feisty game of hide and seek.

Let visit a world where every neurodivergent experience finds its fitting twist, weaving humor, truth, and perhaps a bit of mischief into each entry.

Parenting as a neurodivergent individual comes with unique challenges and opportunities, especially when raising neurodivergent children.

With thoughtful strategies, neurodivergent parents can build a nurturing environment that respects both their children’s needs and their own.

This post offfers 12 research-backed tips for neurodivergent parents, designed to foster understanding, confidence, and resilience.

Transitions can be challenging for anyone, but for kids with autism, shifting from one activity or environment to another can be especially overwhelming.

Transition objects and sensory tools offer a practical and comforting way to ease these changes, creating a sense of predictability and security.

Whether it’s a favorite toy that brings comfort or a visual timer that makes time tangible, these tools provide valuable support for managing the sensory and emotional demands of the day.

Let’s explore how transition objects, sensory tools, and simple routines can make life smoother and more enjoyable for kidos on the autism spectrum.

Autistic inertia—a concept gaining recognition within autism research—describes a significant challenge faced by many autistic people: the difficulty of starting, stopping, or switching tasks.

It’s more than procrastination or being "stuck"; autistic inertia can be deeply rooted in the way an autistic person’s brain processes task initiation and state transitions, often making even simple actions feel overwhelming or out of reach without external assistance​ (Frontiers) (Cambridge Repository).

Let’s explore what autistic inertia entails, how it impacts daily life, and how we can support those affected with understanding and compassion.

Sleep can be elusive for many individuals on the autism spectrum, with studies indicating that up to 80% of autistic children experience sleep disturbances (Cortesi et al., 2012).

These challenges aren’t simply about being "bad sleepers." Instead, the nature of autism itself presents specific, often complex obstacles that make restful sleep hard to achieve.

Life on the autism spectrum brings about some uniquely delightful quirks that others might not fully understand, yet each one adds its own twist to personality and perspective.

Here’s a deeper dive into some common quirks that often bring smiles, curiosity, and insight.

Along with these observations, I’ll share relevant research that sheds light on each unique trait. Let’s dive in!