Welcome to my Blog!
Welcome to my blog—a place where I blend honesty, heart, and a little grit to explore the messy, beautiful process of growth. Here I share insights from my journey as a neurodivergent entrepreneur, psychologist, and coach; alongside practical tools and stories that inspire connection and transformation. Whether you’re here to learn, reflect, or just feel seen; my hope is that you’ll leave with a little more courage to embrace your brilliance and keep moving forward.
Your Mental Health Is Your Responsibility—And Your Community’s Too
One of the biggest things I teach my clients is this: your mental health is your responsibility. We like to think of mental health as an individual thing (especially in the U.S.), but it’s deeply relational. You are influenced by the people around you, just as you influence them. Your healing (or lack of it) doesn’t just affect you—it affects your family, your friends, your children, and your entire community.
The Exploitation of Autistic and Neurodivergent People: A Silent Crisis
Autistic and neurodivergent individuals—regardless of support needs, IQ, or outward presentation—are at a significantly higher risk of exploitation. The statistics are staggering, especially when it comes to sexual assault, financial abuse, trafficking, and online scams. But what makes us so vulnerable?
Do You Need a Script for Everything? You Might Be Neurodivergent—And That’s Okay.
Do You Need a Script for Everything? You Might Be Neurodivergent—And That’s Okay.
If you find yourself rehearsing conversations in your head, memorizing responses, or scrambling for the “right” words in social situations, you’re not alone. If this sounds familiar, you might just be part of the Neurodivergent crew. Welcome! It’s a lovely place to be, and I only wish I had known sooner myself.
Stop Saying “I Can’t”—Or I’m Gonna Smack You! (With Love, Of Course)
If I hear one more person say, “I can’t,” I might just lose it. And I don’t mean that lightly. Your mindset shapes your reality—period. If “I can’t” is your default setting, every challenge will feel insurmountable. Every struggle will seem like proof that you’re doomed to fail.
Why I Loved Wild Robot: A Neurodivergent Take on a Heartfelt Story
As a licensed psychologist and a neurodivergent individual, Wild Robot grabbed me by the heart and didn’t let go. I’m not exaggerating when I say this movie felt like it was made for people like me—people who have spent their lives trying to fit into a world that doesn’t always make room for us.
Why Cute Things Matter for Autistic Adults
There’s this ridiculous expectation that as we get older, we should just drop the things that bring us joy. But for autistic folks, cute stuff isn’t just some quirky hobby—it’s a sensory tool, a visual stim, and a source of deep comfort. And honestly? It’s fun.
Autoimmune Hell & Autism: The Fight No One Talks About
Ever feel like your body is waging war against itself—but every doctor just shrugs and says your labs are “mostly normal”? Do you wake up exhausted before the day even starts, dealing with pain, inflammation, brain fog, and sensitivities that seem to get worse with stress? You’re NOT making it up. You’re NOT being dramatic. And you’re definitely NOT alone.
The Transition Trap: Why Moving from One Thing to the Next Feels Like an Olympic Sport (for Autistic and ADHD Folks)
Transitions. The dreaded “T” word. Whether it’s getting out of your car, turning off your favorite video game, or even something super basic like getting up to pee, transitions can feel like an Olympic-level mental gymnastics event. And if you’re neurodivergent like me (autistic, ADHD, and living that PDA-flavored life), you know exactly what I mean.
Pokémon as a Special Interest: A Celebration of Autistic Joy, Growth, and Connection
For many autistic kids and adults, Pokémon isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline. It’s a world where we can thrive, express ourselves, and feel deep comfort. Special interests like Pokémon aren’t random; they serve important, meaningful purposes. If someone ever told you to “grow up” or that your interests were “too much,” I want you to hear this loud and clear: they’re wrong. Your special interests deserve to be celebrated—not dismissed.
Finding Your People: Embracing Your Intensity and Letting Your True Self Shine
Have you ever felt like you were just too much for other people? Like your passion, your big dreams, or the way you feel everything so deeply made others uncomfortable? Maybe someone told you to "calm down," "be easier to be around," or "stop overthinking things." Sound familiar?
Burning Rituals for Neurodivergent Souls
Alright, let’s be real, you’re all little pyros! 🔥😏 I know it, you know it, we’re not hiding it here. Fire is mesmerizing, and for many of my neurodivergent friends (myself included), there’s nothing more grounding than watching flames dance and flicker. But before you start collecting random things to burn, let’s be safe, okay? I’m a rule follower but also ADHD so you know things get out of hand sometimes.
This Is Me: Dancing Into Authenticity as Neurodivergent, Queer, or Stigmatized
When I hear the song “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, my entire body feels alive. It’s more than music—it’s a powerful, unapologetic declaration of self. For anyone who’s ever been told to shrink, to mask, or to hide their truth—whether you’re autistic, queer, or simply different—this song is a reminder that who you are is more than enough.
And let me tell you something: dancing to this song in public felt AMAZING.
Fact-Checking and Connection: Navigating Relationships as Autistic Individuals
As autistic individuals, many of us naturally gravitate toward facts, logic, and precision. For some, this can manifest as a strong urge to fact-check, correct, or “police” others during conversations. While these behaviors often stem from our unique ways of processing the world, they can sometimes create challenges in social relationships. This article is not about masking or suppressing these behaviors but about fostering self-awareness and understanding how they affect both ourselves and others.
Against All Odds: Turning Autistic Pain Into Power
When people think of Anaheim, California, they picture Disneyland—the “Happiest Place on Earth.” But for me, growing up in Anaheim meant a very different reality. I lived on the other side of the tracks, where gangs, crime, and danger were everyday experiences. Life was tough, and as a mixed-race Mexican, Irish, and Germ
From Shamans to Entrepreneurs: ADHD Is Our Legacy, Not a Disorder
“Focus, focus, focus!”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this. Teachers, coaches, mentors—even well-meaning family members—would tell me I needed to sit still, stop daydreaming, and do things “the right way.”
Living with Pathological Demand Avoidance: Let’s Get Real
Alright, let’s cut the bullshit. As someone with ADHD and autism, I’ve got parts of me that are rebellious little hell-raisers. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—or as I like to call it, the Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. This part of me is like an unhinged kid who’s finally free to yell, “Fuck this! I’m not doing your dumb shit anymore!” It’s the ultimate middle finger to society’s endless demands.