White Bear Psychological Services

06/03/2025

05/13/2025

This is a powerful response to the harmful belief that autism is a tragedy. There is real beauty in the way neurodivergent minds experience and shape the world.

Dear Mr. RFK Jr., (The “dear” is tradition. Don’t mistake it for affection.) You said autistic children are a burden. That they ruin families. That...

04/06/2025

The neurodiversity movement has changed how we understand brains that work differently, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. It shifts the focus from seeing these differences as problems to recognizing them as part of natural human diversity.

In our latest blog post, we look at where the neurodiversity movement started, how it has grown, and why it still matters today. We explore how this idea helps shape more supportive schools, workplaces, and communities.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, therapist, or simply want to learn more, this post offers a clear introduction to an important topic.

Read the full post here: https://whitebearpsychservices.com/blog/understanding-neurodiversity-a-movement-that-matters

What Is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world are natural and valuable. Just like people have different eye colors or heights, our brains also work in different ways. These differences are not always “problems” that need ...

04/02/2025

Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges and incredible moments of connection. Understanding how your child’s brain processes emotions can make a huge difference in fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and stronger relationships.

In our latest blog post, we explore brain-based parenting strategies inspired by The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel. Learn how to validate emotions, support self-regulation, and use playful engagement to help your child thrive.

Whether you’re looking for ways to handle big emotions, ease daily transitions, or strengthen your bond with your child, these practical tips can help! Read the full post here: https://whitebearpsychservices.com/blog/connecting-with-your-neurodivergent-child-using-whole-brain-parenting-principles

Connecting with Your Neurodivergent Child Using Whole-Brain Parenting Principles Apr 2 Written By Matt Hall Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique joys and challenges. Understanding how your child’s brain processes emotions and information can make a world of difference in fostering co...

03/16/2025

Supporting neurodivergent children is a lifelong journey that evolves with each stage of life. From early childhood to adulthood, the needs and supports for neurodivergent individuals—whether they are autistic, ADHD, or experience other cognitive differences—change in ways that require understanding and proactive advocacy. This blog post offers insights into how parents and caregivers can navigate these changes, including practical tips for obtaining educational resources, fostering independence, and advocating for the right supports. Whether you're supporting a child in preschool or helping them transition into adulthood, this guide provides essential information for ensuring your child thrives.

Read the full post here:

Raising a neurodivergent child—whether they are autistic, ADHD, have learning disabilities, or other cognitive and sensory differences—is a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Beyond academics, neurodivergent children often need support in areas like executive functioning, social-e...

03/11/2025

Understanding the distinction between autistic burnout and depression is crucial for providing appropriate support to autistic individuals. Autistic burnout is characterized by intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged masking of autistic traits and overwhelming sensory or social demands. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, heightened sensory sensitivities, temporary loss of skills, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and social withdrawal. In contrast, depression affects individuals across all neurotypes and is marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue without clear external causes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Recognizing these differences is essential for ensuring that autistic individuals receive tailored strategies and interventions that address their unique experiences.

For a more in-depth exploration, read the full blog post here:

Autistic Burnout

03/02/2025

Autism has long been misunderstood, but the rise of the neurodiversity movement is changing the conversation. This blog explores the history of autism, the shift away from outdated labels like 'Asperger’s,' and the importance of embracing neurodiversity. Learn how society’s understanding of autism has evolved and why listening to autistic voices matters now more than ever. Read more here:

A History of Autism

02/22/2025

Parenting a child who experiences intense emotions can be challenging, but through co-regulation and emotional validation, you can guide them toward better self-regulation. By staying calm, offering comfort, and acknowledging their feelings, you help your child navigate emotional storms and build resilience. Learn effective strategies to transform these challenging moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Read the blog post here:

Parenting using co-regulation.

02/15/2025

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges that can impact productivity, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Traditional interventions often focus on behavioral modifications and pharmacological treatments which can be effective. However, emerging approaches that focus on self-agency and playfulness, offer an alternative view that can result in more self-compassion and reduced shame.

View the blog post here:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges that can impact productivity, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Traditional interventions often focus on behavioral modifications and pharmacological treatments which can be effective. However, emerging approaches that f

02/10/2025

Sleep is essential for overall well-being, yet many neurodivergent individuals struggle to get the rest they need. This blog post explores the sleep concerns that are common in autism and ADHD, how these disturbances manifest, and discusses strategies tailored for children and adults to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

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Sleep is essential for overall well-being, yet many neurodivergent individuals struggle to get the rest they need. Research indicates that sleep disturbances are significantly more common in autistic and ADHD individuals than in the general population (Cortese et al., 2020). These challenges can per

02/01/2025

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a unique profile of autism, where individuals experience extreme anxiety-driven demand avoidance and a fundamental need for autonomy. PDA individuals often exhibit a need for control, surface sociability lacking depth, rapid mood swings, elaborate role play and imagination, difficulty with authority, and obsessive traits. Supporting PDA individuals requires understanding, flexibility, and collaboration to create supportive environments.

Want to learn how to better support PDA children and adults? Check out our latest blog post to dive deeper into what PDA is and how to create a more understanding and flexible environment.

While PDA is widely considered a profile of autism, it is distinct in its extreme resistance to everyday demands and expectations, driven by high levels of anxiety and a fundamental need for autonomy. Supporting PDA children requires a tailored approach that prioritizes understanding, flexibility, a