Dr. Jennifer McAdams, Licensed Psychologist

06/19/2025

Today, June 18th, is Autistic Pride Day. Happy Autistic Pride Day from all of us at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network! Nothing about us, without us!

01/24/2025

Autistic meltdowns are not well understood in the general public, but here is a great guide:

An Autistic meltdown, also sometimes referred to as an autonomic storm, is a reaction to feelings of intense overwhelm, distress, […]

12/08/2024

Very relatable!

Explore the hidden struggles of the holiday season through the lens of neurodivergence. Learn about "Holiday Syndrome," how routine disruptions and sensory overload impact neurodivergent individuals, and tips for navigating the season with self-compassion and care.

11/15/2024

EDIT TO ADD:

This framework was created by Deepa Iyer (who I can't tag for some reason - 🔗 in the usual place).

If you don't see yourself in this framework, that is totally valid. It is just an idea after all.

However, Deepas 20+ years of social justice activism and writing, as a South Asian woman will not be undermined in this space.

***

What's your social change role?

The social change ecosystem framework is a tool to clarify values, identify roles, and support organizations, campaigns, and networks committed to solidarity, justice, and equity.

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Guides

We teach, counsel, and advise, using our gifts of well-earned discernment and wisdom.

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Storytellers

We craft and share our community stories, cultures, experiences, histories, and possibilities through art, music, media, and movement

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Healers

We recognize and tend to the generational and current traumas caused by oppressive systema, Institutions, policies, and practices

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Disrupters

We take uncomfortable and risky actions to shake up the status quo to raise awareness and to build power.

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Visionaries

We imagine and generate our boldest possibilities, hopes, and dreams and remind us of our direction.

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Caregivers

We nurture and nourish the people around us by creating and sustaining a community of care, joy, and connection.

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Builders

We develop, organize, and implement ideas, practices, people, and resources in service to a collective vision.

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Weavers

We see the through-lines of connectivity between people, places, organizations, ideas, and movements

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Experimenters

We Innovate, pioneer, and invent. We take risks and course correct as needed.

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Frontline Responders

We address community crises by asarmbling and organizing resources, networks, and messages.

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Learn more at socialchangemap.com

[Deepa lyer, 2017]

10/11/2024

How a "discard" from a narcissist is different from a regular breakup.

103 likes, 6 comments. Check out Claire Auden’s video.

09/13/2024

Such an informative post about the difference between anxiety (a cognitive, out of proportion phenomenon) and Autistic overwhelm (which is often a nervous system reaction to situations that are contrary to our needs as Autistic people) and Autistic dread (accurately predicting being in situations that are contrary to our needs). It explains how the latter two need accommodations when possible and not just repeated exposures to them and not challenging your thoughts. This is a common misunderstanding my clients can run into when seeing therapists who don't specialize in seeing Autistic clients, as most therapists are trained in approaches such as challenging thoughts and exposure therapy, which aren't always appropriate for Autistic people, depending on the situation.

Autistic Anxiety and Neurotypical Anxiety are actually two different emotions. This is important to consider when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

08/16/2024

Some interesting ways of working with your ADHD that go beyond the usual suggestions to keep a planner and use post-it notes!

Discover the concept of the interest-based nervous system introduced by Dr. Dodson. Learn how ADHDers can leverage their unique drivers and motivators to improve engagement, enhance agency, and reduce burnout.

06/19/2024

Dr. Vaknin is a psychologist who also has narcissism, and I thought this theory of his was potentially useful to victims of their abuse. Vaknin explains that what narcissists do is not always intentional (sometimes), but that their actions are always purposeful or, in other words, self interested. They don't always premeditate, but they do always have a goal of being self interested.

Full intentionality requires a fully conscious and core sense of self which narcissists don't have. The narcissist is just self-focused on getting supply from others so will do anything to get that. They know what they're doing might be wrong and are aware of the impacts on others, but Vaknin says they can't always tell fantasy from reality and often believe their own delusions. The narcissist is like an addict who needs supply and is driven to get it, regardless of cost.

This might help victims understand why it seems like the narcissist really means it when they say they're sorry or seem remorseful. Though they might not always have intentionality, their negative effects on others can be the same as if they did.

Professor Sam Vaknin discusses whether narcissistic abuse is intentional or not. He argues that while the actions of narcissists fulfill a purpose, they are not intentional, as narcissists lack a core identity and cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy. In contrast, psychopaths act purposefu...

05/17/2024

This is one of the most useful, neurodiversity affirming definitions of what autism is that I've found in case you are looking for one for yourself or loved ones!

At Reframing Autism, we think about Autism as a brain difference that is basic and fundamental to who we are. This means that Autism is an important part of who we are and the way we are in the world.Autistic people develop differently to non-autistic people. Autistic people think, move, interact, s...