Why You Need to Build Compersion in Your Relationships

Comparison is the experience of enjoying another’s positive experiences. In intimate relationships, comparison refers to the enjoyment of your partner’s erotic, sexual, or romantic encounters with others.1 Often referred to as the opposite of jealousy, it is an experience that many in non-monogamous relationships may relate to. However, it isn’t uncommon for those who are in monogamous … Read more

What Are the Levels of Autism?

Autism Exists on a Spectrum The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), states that autism is a spectrum. This means that individuals have different support needs and strengths. Many providers describe autistic people as “high functioning” or “low functioning,” but these terms are generally considered inaccurate because an individual can seem high … Read more

Justice Sensitivity Is Plaguing Autistic & ADHD Individuals—Here’s What to Know

Justice sensitivity refers to an individual’s sense of fairness, equity, and inclusion, as well as their need to address and correct injustices. Most people would describe themselves as having some level of justice sensitivity, though the intensity to which they focus on issues of justice and equity will vary, like all traits. Some people experience … Read more

Understanding Autistic Burnout

Although not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, autistic burnout is a condition that has recently gotten the attention of providers, researchers, and the autistic community. Baden Gaeke Franze, 2017 president of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network of Winnipeg, has written, “On the most basic level, autistic burnout means being exhausted. Our brains and … Read more

What Are Cluster C Personality Disorders?

Cluster C personality disorders are marked by symptoms of anxiety and fear. Cluster C personality disorders include avoidant personality disorder (AVPD), dependent personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).1 Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterized by changes in a person’s mood, behavior, and thinking patterns. Read on to learn about Cluster C personality disorder types, … Read more

What to Know About Autism and Life Expectancy

Autistic people have significantly lower life expectancies than the rest of the population. In 2022, the average global life expectancy is approximately 72 years old. For autistic people, though, the average life expectancy ranges from 39.5 years to 58 years.1 Some of the psychological stressors that autistic people experience are a result of existing in a … Read more

Your Autism Might Be Misdiagnosed as One of These 6 Disorders

Autism is a neurodivergence that manifests as difficulty interpreting neurotypical social cues and rules, strong adherence to routines and rituals, and sensory sensitivity, and it occurs as a result of neurodevelopmental differences. An autistic person might cope with difficulties associated with their neurodivergence, but they do not “grow out” of being autistic. This article covers why autism may be … Read more

Understanding Mild Autism

Mild autism is an unofficial term that may refer to the diagnosis of level 1 autism. Mild autism may also informally be referred to as “high-functioning autism,” although this term is considered inaccurate and inappropriate as it does not accurately reflect the challenges that autistic people deal with in their daily lives. The Diagnostic and Statistical … Read more

Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli.1 Some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity, or SPS for short. We’re all sensitive about certain things—that is human nature—but an HSP is understood to be … Read more

What Is Sensory Overload?

Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the five senses becomes overstimulated. For instance, your sense of hearing may become overloaded when music is too loud, or vision impaired if lights are too bright. In some cases, more than one sense can become overwhelmed at the same time. Learn more about what causes sensory overload, its … Read more