The Neurodiversity Hive

20/10/2025

Monotropism is a cognitive style characterised by a deep and focused attention on a narrow range of interests at one time, rather than spreading attention across many things (polytropism).

This can lead to intense focus, expertise, and "flow states" but may also make switching tasks, handling interruptions, and dealing with setbacks more difficult.

The theory of monotropism was developed to help explain key aspects of autism and is also associated with ADHD.

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16/10/2025

The double empathy problem is a theory that describes the communication and empathy breakdown that can occur between neurotypical and neurodivergent (particularly autistic) individuals due to different communication styles and social expectations. 

It proposes that misunderstandings are mutual, not a deficit on one side, meaning that both autistic people and non-autistic people can have difficulty understanding each other. 

The issue lies in the incompatibility of two different social and communication frameworks, not a one-sided lack of empathy.

15/10/2025

The "intense world theory of autism" proposes that the core of autism is a brain that hyper-perceives, hyper-attends, hyper-remembers, and hyper-emotionalises, making the world feel overwhelmingly intense.

A study measured information gain in the brains of autistic children in a resting state and found that they produced "42% more information" compared to a control group.

This theory suggests that the sensory and emotional overstimulation leads to strategies for coping, such as avoiding social interaction, focusing on patterns and routines, and seeking quiet spaces to reduce sensory input.

This neurological hyper-functioning is proposed to stem from hyper-reactive and hyper-plastic neural microcircuits, which can lead to a state of sensory overload that requires extensive self-regulation.

Does this description feel familiar or validating to you?

14/10/2025

Autism is not actually well understood. We're still figuring it out, and that's okay. But it does leave the door open to Tylenol type talk. So, rather than defend, argue, and fret, let's look at some theories that have been researched well.

11/10/2025

It’s World Mental Health Day!

Here’s your reminder that “healthy” doesn’t have to look calm, productive, or social.

What does mental health look like for your brain today?

06/09/2025

Parents of autistic children often feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of their parenting decisions.

This group aims to offer a safe space where autistic parents can meet others and build a community of like-minded people.

I will facilitate this online group, providing guidance through psycho-education. But the magic really occurs when parents support one another.

For more information, reach out to Blue on 083 676 1462.

03/09/2025

Marlize Labuschagne very kindly reminded us that today is 'Secretary Day', and she arranged a special floral delivery for Blue, our Care Coordinator.

This feels like a really good time to introduce Blue, the friendly face behind the emails, phone calls, and reception desk.

Blue, welcome to the team!

01/09/2025

This interactive, online workshop is designed to help parents and partners gain a deeper understanding of autism from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

Together, we will explore how autistic people experience the world (socially, emotionally, and sensorily) so that we can be AUsome partners in this journey through life.

Through discussion, reflection, and practical strategies, we will learn how to support autistic peoples unique strengths, needs, and communication style.

The aim is to foster stronger connections, reduce misunderstandings, and create an environment where autistic people can thrive.

Contact Blue on 083 676 1462 or info@ndhive.co.za to secure your spot.

30/06/2025

We are ecstatic to have Cara join the Neurodiversity Hive from the 1st of July.

Cara – a clinical psychologist - is drawn to the richness and complexity of neurodivergent experience. She aims at supporting individuals in making sense of their internal world and navigating the external one with greater self-understanding and compassion.

She particularly enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her approach is relational and developmentally attuned, with a strong focus on creating safe, trusting therapeutic relationships. She has a special interest in inner child work – gently supporting clients in exploring early experiences, unmet needs, and the emotional patterns that shape how they engage with the world today.

She values gentle connection, collaborative exploration, and creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, validating, and attuned.

02/06/2025

Thank you Chantelle Snyman for driving the Reach for a Dream slipper day on Friday.

Warm feet and hearts, all day ♥️

22/05/2025

Marlize welcomes all your parts!

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?

Online therapy can be a great option if you’re juggling a busy schedule, living a bit further out, or just feel more at ease chatting from your own space. It’s flexible, accessible, and can make it easier to fit regular sessions into your week.

That said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea; tech glitches, privacy at home, or missing that face-to-face connection can be tricky for some.

But for many, it’s a gentle and effective way to get support that fits around real life. If you’re curious, send me a message. Let's see if online sessions will work for you.

21/05/2025

Join me as we deep dive into
neurodivergent-affirming parenting.

This interactive, online workshop is designed to help parents and partners gain a deeper understanding of autism from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

Together, we will explore how autistic people experience the world (socially, emotionally, and sensorily) so that we can be AUsome partners in this journey through life.

Through discussion, reflection, and practical strategies, we will learn how to support autistic peoples unique strengths, needs, and communication style.

The aim is to foster stronger connections, reduce misunderstandings, and create an environment where autistic people can thrive.

Contact Thato on 083 676 1462 or info@ndhive.co.za to secure your spot.