The Neurodivergent Collective

08/27/2025

A PATH TOWARDS AFFIRMING CARE :: DR. TONY MEINERS, PSYD :: CLINICAL DIRECTOR
"Anytime that we are talking about affirming care, we have to understand the history of how we got here and why it's really important." -Dr. Meiners
To learn more, visit

Dr. Tony Meiners historically references a clinical path towards affirming care and how it has evolved for the neurodivergent population.

08/14/2025

DR. MADDISEN ESPESETH'S APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH :: Read now!
"To me, balancing the binary means recognizing and mindfully integrating two contrasting constructs: neurodivergence (a fluid, multidimensional, biologically respectful, and ever-evolving concept) and DSM diagnostic criteria (a series of binary, quantified, and often oversimplified qualifications largely informed by a medical model of psychopathology). The DSM ideally is intended to provide a standardized language and means of operationalizing psychological phenomena (albeit from a pathological, deficit-focused lens). The purpose is to create a uniform conceptualization of diagnoses; however, the DSM often neglects to recognize the significance of biodiversity and heterogeneity of symptom presentation. A humble openness to the extensive breadth of neurotype presentations while simultaneously maintaining fidelity to DSM criteria is imperative in balancing the binary." - Dr. Espeseth
For Dr. Espeseth's full interview, visit

An interview with Dr. Maddisen Espeseth of The Neurodivergent Collective in Newport Beach, CA, unveils her thoughts on mental health...

07/31/2025

ADHD + TIME MANAGEMENT :: AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. ASHLEY WEINTRAUB, PHD :: "... people with ADHD typically aren't motivated by much other than urgency, interest, and novelty. So if something's not novel, if it's not interesting, and if it's not urgent, I'm not really thinking about it, and I'm not motivated to initiate that task." - Dr. Weintraub
For the full interview, visit

"ADHD + TIME MANAGEMENT" is a short interview with Dr. Ashley Weintraub, PhD of The Neurodivergent Collective in Newport Beach. Watch now...

07/23/2025

Why Being Diagnosed with ADHD is Actually a Superpower :: Written By Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach
"For a long time, ADHD has been framed as a disadvantage. Something that makes you more distracted, more forgetful, more impulsive. But more and more people are starting to understand that ADHD isn’t just about struggle. In fact, when understood and supported, it can be an incredible source of strength." - Carty
To read Colleen's full post, visit https://bit.ly/3GDjzwD

"Why Being Diagnosed with ADHD is Actually a Superpower" is written by Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach...

07/09/2025

OCCUPATIONAL BALANCE :: Occupational balance is more than just time management; it’s about fulfilling our needs across different areas of life. It involves engaging in a variety of activities that provide physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. Occupational balance refers to the harmonious arrangement of daily activities that provide satisfaction and promote well-being. It encompasses a balance between work, rest, self-care, and leisure activities, ensuring that no single activity dominates our time at the expense of others. According to occupational science, a well-balanced life includes meaningful participation in various occupations, which can positively impact overall health and well-being (Wilcock, 2006).
To read Dr. Hana Khan's full post 'The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health', visit https://bit.ly/3Pz7nNY or click Sprout 🔗 in bio

07/01/2025

Setting Boundaries as a Neurodivergent Person: Why It’s Hard, Why It’s Important, and How to Do It :: Written by Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach
"Setting boundaries is a vital skill for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for neurodivergent individuals. However, it is also one of the most important tools for ensuring self-care, emotional well-being, and healthy relationships. By understanding the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent people in setting boundaries, and by using strategies like clear communication, practice, and self-compassion, you can build a life where your needs are respected, and your emotional and physical health is protected." - Carty
For Colleen's full post, visit https://bit.ly/44uoMyI

"Setting Boundaries as a Neurodivergent Person: Why It’s Hard, Why It’s Important, and How to Do It," is written by Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW

06/25/2025

NOT JUST A PHASE: SUPPORTING AUTISTIC ADULTS THROUGH Q***R IDENTITY EXPLORATION :: Written by Dr. Tony Meiners :: Clinical Director
"The truth is, q***r identity exploration among autistic adults is not a phase or a misunderstanding. It is often a profound and necessary act of reclaiming one’s self." - Dr. Meiners
For Dr. Meiners' full post, visit https://bit.ly/3HQr57B

'Not Just a Phase: Supporting Autistic Adults Through Q***r Identity Exploration' was written by Dr. Tony Meiners of The Neurodivergent...

05/28/2025

ADHD + THE ATTENTION ECONOMY :: Surviving + Thriving in a World that is Built to Distract You :: Written by Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach
"If you live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you already know what it’s like to wrestle with focus, impulsivity, and a brain that seems to have its own idea of what’s important. But when you throw in the chaos of the attention economy — where these apps, ads, and algorithms are engineered to hijack your attention — it’s not just distracting. It’s overwhelming." -Carty
To read Colleen's full post, visit

'ADHD and the Attention Economy: Surviving + Thriving in a World that is Built to Distract You' written by Neurodivergent Coach, Colleen...

05/09/2025

The Dopamine Menu A Lifeline for Thriving with ADHD :: Written by Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW :: Neurodivergent Affirming Coach
"For those with ADHD, managing energy and focus is a daily challenge. A dopamine menu gives you agency to intentionally engage with activities that meet your brain where it is. It’s not about fixing yourself or adhering to someone else’s standards of productivity—it’s about understanding how your unique brain works and finding joy and motivation in the process." - Carty
For Colleen's full post visit

The "Dopamine Menu": A Lifeline for Thriving with ADHD is written by Neurodivergent Affirming Coach, Colleen Carty, MSW, ACSW...

05/01/2025

Dr. Tony Meiners, Clinical Director of The Neurodivergent Collective, will join a distinguished panel at the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) 2025 National Conference in Detroit, MI, on Tuesday, May 6th. The panel, titled “Neurodiversity Informed & Affirming Support,” will bring together experts from educational consulting and clinical program settings to discuss best practices in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
To learn more about Dr. Meiners' objectives and the IECA conference, visit https://bit.ly/4cYqYlz

May 6th, Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD will present on Neurodiversity Informed + Affirming Support at IECA 2025. Learn more...

04/24/2025

When Traditional Eating Disorder Approaches Fall Short for Neurodivergent Individuals :: Written By Emily Bown, MS, RDN
"Healing from disordered eating is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For neurodivergent individuals, a more sensory-aware, flexible, and individualized approach is crucial for true recovery. It’s time to challenge outdated treatment models and build a more inclusive path forward." - Bown
To read Emily's full post visit https://bit.ly/3GqGcnt

'When Traditional Eating Disorder Approaches Fall Short for Neurodivergent Individuals' is written by Emily Bown, MS, RDN...

04/07/2025

Neurodivergent-Affirming vs. Neurodivergent-Informed Care :: Written By, Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD :: Clinical Director
"While affirming care fosters self-acceptance, informed care ensures that individuals develop the skills they need to function in daily life. When one approach is emphasized over the other, challenges arise:
▫️ Too Much Affirmation Without Practical Support: Risks enabling learned helplessness or preventing meaningful skill development.
▫️ Too Much Focus on Functioning Without Affirmation: Can lead to masking, shame, and burnout." - Dr. Meiners
Dr. Meiners presents April 8th on the Autism Symposium panel "The Evolution of Neurodivergent Care: Implementing Neurodivergent Affirming Care and Neurodivergent-Informed Care". For details and post, visit https://bit.ly/3EfMoxN

"Neurodivergent-Affirming vs. Neurodivergent-Informed Care" by Dr. Tony Meiners, Clinical Director of The Neurodivergent Collective...