White Bear Psychological Services

04/01/2026

This April, we recognize and reaffirm our commitment to autistic people and their communities. Acceptance means more than awareness. It means equitable access to supports, services, and resources, and a society that values autistic people exactly as they are.

10/07/2025

Forgetting meals, hyperfocus, impulsivity, and the crushing shame of feeling like you "should have more discipline"—it all makes eating feel impossible. The ADHD brain is often living "from the neck up," disconnected from crucial body cues.

Our latest blog post, "From 'Neck Up' to Now," explains why your natural hunger/fullness signals are getting buried and shows you how Intuitive Eating offers a path to healing. It's about compassion, not control.

Read the blog post here:

I often hear from clients with ADHD who say, “I forget to eat all day and then I can’t stop snacking at night.” Or, “Sometimes I don’t know if I’m actually hungry, or just bored, or stressed.” Or even, “I can’t tell when I’m full until I’m uncomfortably stuffed.” Food feels c...

10/01/2025

In this new blog post, I explore how intuitive eating can support autistic individuals in reconnecting with their body’s voice. It emphasizes honoring sensory preferences, respecting routines, and finding compassion in the eating experience.

Read the full post here:

I often hear from autistic clients who say things like, “I don’t notice I’m hungry until I feel shaky,” or “I eat the same few foods every day because everything else feels overwhelming.” Others share that food is comforting when the world feels too loud, or that they avoid eating in pub...

09/17/2025

Many of us have learned to tune out our bodies, whether from diet culture, trauma, anxiety, or years of outside voices telling us what we should be doing. Yet our bodies are always speaking to us, carrying wisdom about hunger, rest, connection, and healing.

This blog explores what can get in the way of listening to our bodies and why reconnecting with our bodies matters for well being. You can read it here:

I often ask my clients, "where do you feel that in your body?"  It's a simple question, but can be difficult to answer. And so I also often ask it of myself, "what am I feeling in my body? Where do I feel it?" Emotions, deep-seated beliefs, fear, passion...they dwell in

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