The Connect Counseling Blog
Resources, reflections, and guidance from our founder, Dr. Rachel Hughes.
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Stop Splitting Our Brains: Moving Beyond the "Twice Exceptional" Label: An Opinion Piece
Is the term Twice Exceptional actually helpful? Explore why this label can be a microaggression for neurodivergent folks and find more inclusive paths.
Find Your People: Why a Neuro-Affirming Community is the Missing Piece of Parenting
We weren’t meant to parent in silos, especially when those silos are built on the misunderstood experiences of neurodivergence. You might find yourself scrolling through generic parenting forums, only to feel more alone when you realize that your “big wins” or “daily hurdles” are met with confusion or, worse, judgment.
The solution isn’t just “more resources;” it’s a safe, regulated space where you don’t have to explain yourself.
How to Melt ICE by Talking to Kids About Current Events
I’ve sat in many sessions lately where the air feels heavy before a single word is even spoken; I know exactly what my client is going to bring up because of the distressing national tragedy we’ve both had forcing itself in our social media algorithm. Between the non-stop news alerts and the weight of current events, I know you’re exhausted. As a parent, your first instinct is likely to protect your child’s peace—to shield them from the “scary parts” of the world- but we have to protect them with information by talking to kids about current events.
Why Neurodivergent People Often Struggle Most During Political Unrest
The news cycle is relentless. Between breaking headlines, social media debates, and the general air of uncertainty that follows political upheaval, the world can feel like a very loud, very unstable place. While political unrest is stressful for everyone, for the neurodivergent community—including those with Autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences—these times can be particularly debilitating.
As a therapist at Connect Counseling, I often see how global instability trickles down into the nervous systems of my clients. Understanding why this happens isn’t about finding a “weakness”; it’s about recognizing how a neurodivergent brain processes a world in crisis.
Why Empowered Kids Test Their Parents: Seeing Strength in Boundary Pushing
Every parent has been there: your child pushes back, challenges a rule, or seems determined to test every boundary you’ve set. In these moments, it’s easy to feel frustrated, disrespected, or even worried that you’re “losing control.” But what if I told you that, from a developmental perspective, a child who tests boundaries is often a sign of a healthy, secure, and empowered individual?