The Neurodiversity Hive

21/11/2025

Its the most wonderful time of the year!

The Hive Mind spent some time creating, eating and spending time together outside of the office.

04/11/2025

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.