As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), I have the privilege of working closely with children, adults, and families in the autism community. Over the years, my role has gone far beyond helping people communicate—it has become a mission to advocate for understanding, inclusion, and respect for neurodiversity. This year, I decided to take that mission beyond the therapy room by running the Big Sur…
Growing up, I always felt different from everyone else. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s as a child, and later re-diagnosed with autism after high school. School life often made me feel like no one truly understood what I was going through. I didn’t see myself reflected anywhere—not in my classmates, and certainly not in the TV shows and movies I watched.
That changed the first time I saw A…
Summer can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down, explore new activities, and enjoy more time together as a family. For parents of autistic children, the season may also bring some challenges, especially with the longer days and less structured routines. While the change in pace can feel uncertain at first, it also creates space for flexibility, creativity, and connection. With thoughtful…
Social media is a big part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok make it easier than ever to stay connected, share moments, and keep up with the latest news. However, research shows that spending too much time online can also bring negative effects—especially on mental health. Many studies suggest that social media use can contribute to…
Living with depression can be hard enough on its own, but when sleep disturbances enter the picture, it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle. The more depressed you feel, the harder it becomes to fall asleep or stay asleep. On the other hand, the more sleep-deprived and exhausted you are, the tougher it is to manage depression symptoms. This cycle can feel impossible to break, but…
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting around 21 million adults in the United States each year. Yet, only about 61% of those experiencing a major depressive episode receive treatment. For many, accessing traditional, in-person therapy is difficult due to cost, location, mobility challenges, or the lack of available providers. Fortunately, online therapy services…
In today’s world, the way we care for our appearance is changing fast. More people want to look refreshed and younger without going under the knife. Thanks to advances in aesthetic medicine, non-surgical facelifts have become a popular choice for those who want natural, quick, and effective results without surgery or long recovery times.
What Is a Non-Surgical Facelift?
A non-surgical facelift…
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can appear at almost any stage of life and can make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. Understanding the causes and risk factors of depression can help people recognize potential triggers and seek the right help early.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is…
Did you know that almost everyone has a face that’s a little bit asymmetrical? That means if you imagine a line right down the middle of your face, one side will look slightly different from the other. Usually, this difference is so small that people don’t notice it at a glance. We rarely study the symmetry of other people’s faces closely, but many of us do compare our own faces in…
10 Practical Ways to Support a Partner in a Relationship With Depression
Being in a relationship with someone who has depression can be both rewarding and challenging. You may experience a mix of emotions — compassion, worry, confusion, and even frustration. You might find yourself asking:
What does depression really feel like for my partner?How can I help them without making things worse?How do…