THE JOURNAL

ON THE BLOG

Parenting Through Spring Break Chaos: How Connection Anchors Keep Your Family Grounded
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Parenting Through Spring Break Chaos: How Connection Anchors Keep Your Family Grounded

Spring Break—those two words can bring excitement… and a little panic, especially if you’re a parent navigating neurodiverse challenges. The break from routine can feel like both a blessing and a minefield. Schedules change, activities ramp up, and your kids are bouncing between excitement and overwhelm. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: it’s not about perfect parenting or sticking rigidly to a plan. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to create stability amidst the chaos.

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Cassandra Syndrome: Feeling Invisible in Your Relationship
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Cassandra Syndrome: Feeling Invisible in Your Relationship

Have you ever felt unseen or unheard in your relationship? Like no matter how much you try to connect, there’s this invisible wall between you and your partner? It’s frustrating. It’s lonely. And if you’re navigating a neurodiverse relationship—where one or both of you are wired a little differently—it can sometimes feel impossible to bridge the gap.

That lingering sense of invisibility has a name: Cassandra Syndrome. And if you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. It’s something I’ve seen over and over again in my work with couples. Let’s talk about what Cassandra Syndrome is, why it happens, and what you can do to start closing that gap and building the connection you want (yes, it’s possible!).

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From Miscommunication to Connection: Navigating Conversations in Neurodiverse Relationships
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

From Miscommunication to Connection: Navigating Conversations in Neurodiverse Relationships

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your partner wondering, “What just happened?” Maybe you said one thing, but they heard something completely different—or worse, didn’t seem to hear you at all.

In neurodiverse relationships, where communication styles and emotional processing can differ wildly, these moments of misconnection are common. But here’s the good news: “different” doesn’t mean doomed.

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Routines That Stick: A Neurodiverse Guide to Structuring Your Day
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Routines That Stick: A Neurodiverse Guide to Structuring Your Day

For years, I believed the lie that routines just weren’t meant for me. As an ADHDer, I thought structure had to be rigid, inflexible, and perfectly executed—a setup for failure every single time. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: Routines can work for neurodiverse minds—but they need to be designed with you in mind. They don’t have to look like color-coded calendars or hour-by-hour breakdowns. They can be flexible, fun, and imperfect.

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The Art of Saying No: A Radical Act of Self-care
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

The Art of Saying No: A Radical Act of Self-care

The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, connection, and togetherness. But if you’re anything like me—or many of the neurodiverse individuals I work with—you know they can also be overwhelming. Between the packed schedules, sensory overload, and pressure to show up for every single event, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes by the time January rolls around.

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How to Celebrate Small Wins in Neurodiverse Families: Even When Life Feels Chaotic
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

How to Celebrate Small Wins in Neurodiverse Families: Even When Life Feels Chaotic

You may not want to think about it yet but the holiday season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already felt the creeping stress of a packed calendar, family obligations, and the overwhelming pressure to make everything perfect. But let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: You don’t have to sacrifice your peace to make everyone else happy this season.

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Holiday Boundaries 101: How to Protect Your Peace Without Guilt
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Holiday Boundaries 101: How to Protect Your Peace Without Guilt

You may not want to think about it yet but the holiday season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already felt the creeping stress of a packed calendar, family obligations, and the overwhelming pressure to make everything perfect. But let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: You don’t have to sacrifice your peace to make everyone else happy this season.

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Late Identified ADHD Women: Why We’re Emerging Now and How It Impacts Every Part of Our Lives
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Late Identified ADHD Women: Why We’re Emerging Now and How It Impacts Every Part of Our Lives

If you’re a woman who’s been recently diagnosed with ADHD—or suspect you might be—welcome to the club. More and more women are discovering their ADHD later in life, and it’s no surprise why. For many of us, the signs were always there, but they didn’t quite fit the classic ADHD picture we were taught growing up (you know, the one about the hyperactive little boy who couldn’t sit still).

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Top 5 “Better Relationship” Podcasts with Dr. Ali
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Top 5 “Better Relationship” Podcasts with Dr. Ali

In a world where communication can often feel like a maze, Dr. Ali provides invaluable insights into navigating relationships, mental health, and personal growth for neurodiverse individuals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your social skills, set healthy boundaries, or better understand yourself and others, these top five podcast episodes featuring Dr. Ali offer a treasure trove of wisdom.

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Navigating Neurodiverse Parenting
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Navigating Neurodiverse Parenting

Parenting is a journey filled with joys and challenges, and when neurodiversity is part of the equation, it brings a unique set of experiences. Whether you are a neurodiverse (ND) parent, parenting a neurodiverse child, or both, understanding these complexities can help create a nurturing and supportive environment for your family.

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Help, I'm in a Neurodiverse Relationship
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Help, I'm in a Neurodiverse Relationship

Navigating a relationship can be challenging under any circumstances, but when neurodiversity is part of the equation, unique challenges and opportunities arise. Whether you or your partner is neurodiverse, or both of you are, understanding and embracing these differences can lead to a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.

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9 Ways to Prioritize Self-Care
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

9 Ways to Prioritize Self-Care

Being a parent is one of life's greatest joys, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. When you're raising an autistic child, those challenges can sometimes feel over- whelming. Amidst therapy appointments, school meetings, and navigating the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's easy for caregivers to neglect their own needs.

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Nurturing Sustainable Progress with ADHD & Autism
Ali Perkinson Ali Perkinson

Nurturing Sustainable Progress with ADHD & Autism

Embarking on a journey of sustainable progress for individuals with ADHD and Autism is complex and requires careful consideration. It's a path marked by unique challenges and triumphs, a journey that unfolds not in leaps but in thoughtful, sustainable strides.

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