Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

15 Lesser-Known Autistic Traits in Women

Autism is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to how it manifests in women. Unlike the more visible traits seen in men, autistic women tend to exhibit subtler characteristics that can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted.

As a result, many women remain undiagnosed until later in life, missing out on support that could have made a big difference.

This article discusses 15 lesser-known traits of autism in women, providing insights based on research to help improve understanding and promote acceptance of neurodiversity.

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Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

Love, Boston Style

Being a couples therapist in Boston is like navigating a maze of historic streets—each turn reveals a new surprise, and the quirks of the city are reflected in the lives of its residents.

From the hip, artistic vibe of the South End to the old-money elegance of Beacon Hill, and the intellectual haven of Cambridge, every couple brings their own brand of Bostonian charm and challenges.

Their arguments are as varied as the city's neighborhoods, but the need for connection, understanding, and a little validation ties them all together.

Here are 7 tales of love, frustration, and the unique flavor of Boston relationships that keep my virtual therapy couch well-worn and my coffee mug never empty.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Why We Love Being Scared: The Surprising Psychology Behind Haunted Houses and Horror Films

There’s something undeniably thrilling about stepping into a haunted house or settling in for a scary movie night. The screams, the heart-pounding moments, and the laughter that follows—they all make us feel more alive.

And it’s not just a seasonal thing.

Halloween attractions company America Haunts estimates that Americans shell out over $500 millioneach year just to get spooked at haunted houses.

The fascination with fear doesn’t stop when Halloween ends, either. Many of us keep that adrenaline flowing year-round with horror movies, TV shows, and books that make us jump.

But why do we willingly subject ourselves to fright when the real world already has plenty of scares—think school shootings, climate disasters, and other unsettling events?

As a marriage and family therapist, I find this phenomenon pretty fascinating. It turns out, our love for a good scare is rooted in some deep psychological and social needs.

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Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

How Your Personality Shapes Your Love Story: A Therapist's Perspective

Is it just your partner's quirks that make or break your relationship, or could the real key be... you?

Well, buckle up, because fresh research suggests that your own personality might be calling the shots in your love life more than you think.

A study published in Personality & Individual Differences finds that who you are—especially your quirks, anxieties, and, yes, how well you remember to put the toilet seat down—can make a bigger impact on your long-term relationship satisfaction than anything your partner does. (I know, it's a lot to take in.)

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Psychopathy vs. Sociopathy: How Cultural Narcissism Normalizes These Traits

In today’s world, where self-promotion and individualism are celebrated, cultural narcissism has reached new heights.

This shift has blurred the lines between "normal" and antisocial behaviors, making traits once deemed dangerous now appear almost mainstream.

As a marriage and family therapist, I often witness how society's acceptance of narcissistic behaviors complicates our understanding of psychopathy and sociopathy.

Let’s explore the differences between these terms and how cultural trends may be contributing to their normalization.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The History of AD4K Memes: A High-Resolution Take on Hyperactivity

Memes have always thrived on cultural relatability, especially when they zero in on everyday experiences with a humorous twist. The "AD4K" meme captures this dynamic perfectly, blending lighthearted humor with the challenges of hyperactivity and ADHD.

Let’s dive into the history of this meme, its roots, and why it has gained such traction in online communities.

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Daniel Dashnaw Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the Humor of auADHD Memes: A Deep Dive into Neurodivergent Experiences

In recent years, memes about ADHD and autism (collectively referred to as auADHD) have become a vibrant part of online culture.

These memes offer a humorous yet revealing glimpse into the experiences of those with these conditions, blending humor with self-reflection and building a sense of community for neurodivergent folks.

This post explores the most popular auADHD memes, their themes, and what makes them so relatable.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Are You a High-Masking Autistic? Understanding the Invisible Struggle

Autism is a spectrum, and while many people have a mental image of what autism looks like, reality is often far more nuanced.

One of the most complex aspects of autism is "masking"—the practice of concealing autistic traits to blend in with neurotypical peers.

For some, masking is a way to cope with a world that doesn’t quite fit their way of thinking, but it often comes at a high cost: burnout, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self.

High-masking autistic individuals are those who become particularly skilled at hiding their autistic traits. But what does this look like in daily life, and what does the research say about the impact of masking?

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

You Might Not Be Autistic If… A Guide to Understanding Essential Neurotypical Traits

Navigating the world of neurodiversity can be a bit like walking through a very specific museum—some rooms make total sense, while others leave you scratching your head.

Autism, with its unique traits, is one of those beautifully complex rooms. So, how do you know if you’re more of a neurotypical visitor in this museum?

This post explores some everyday experiences that might suggest you aren’t autistic. Let’s dive in!

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Polyamory Memes: The Emerging Internet Critiques

Polyamory, the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent of everyone involved, has been gaining more visibility in recent years.

As a lifestyle, it promises freedom, open communication, and, ideally, lots of love to go around. But as with anything that steps out of the norm, the internet has a lot to say—especially in the form of memes.

While many celebrate polyamory as a new frontier in love, others poke fun at its challenges, quirks, and contradictions. Here’s a closer look at what these memes are saying, with a warm yet occasionally sarcastic twist.

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Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Love, Luxury, and Large Age Gaps: Why Some American Men Marry Younger Women (and What It Means for Marital Bliss)

Let’s talk about a common American phenomenon that keeps both psychologists and dinner party conversations buzzing—accomplished older men marrying women who are, let's say, a couple of decades (give or take a few years) younger.

While it’s easy to assume these relationships are all about luxury and adventure, social science reveals a more nuanced picture.

This blog will delve into the complexities of age-gap marriages, with a special focus on evolutionary psychology, marital satisfaction, and the everyday ups and downs that come with living life alongside someone in a different stage of it.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Navigating Relationship Challenges Unique to Australia

Relationships are shaped by the environments in which they exist, and Australia’s unique blend of cultural diversity, vast geography, and shifting societal norms creates distinctive challenges for couples.

From the demands of long-distance living to the complexities of multicultural relationships and the pressures of work-life balance, this post probes key relationship issues in Australia and offers insights on navigating these challenges with resilience and empathy.

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