Living as a neurodiverse individual often involves challenges that extend beyond the mind. For many, physical health conditions occur alongside neurodiverse mental health conditions diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, or OCD. At The Atypical View, we recognize that these overlapping experiences are not only common but also deeply impactful. Research on Neurodivergence and Comorbid…

At The Atypical View, we often explore how different forms of neurodivergence intersect, overlap, and are misunderstood. One diagnosis that is sometimes left out of the neurodiversity conversation is Bipolar Disorder. While bipolar is not a neurodevelopment disorder, but a mood disorder, many clinicians are advocating to include bipolar presentations within broader discussions of neurodiverse…

What’s Really Happening: Emotional Regulation and the Nervous System At The Atypical View, we recognize that meltdowns are not behavioral problems, they are nervous system responses that call for support and safety. For many autistic individuals, especially those who are late diagnosed, big emotions are often misunderstood. In childhood, many autistic kids are incorrectly labeled…

Honoring Truth and Redefining Gratitude As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are reminded to pause and reflect. Yet it is equally important to acknowledge that the traditional story of Thanksgiving is not accurate and the story of the "Pilgrims and Indians" has caused lasting harm to Indigenous communities. The commonly told narrative erases violence, colonization,…

In 1952, the first introduction of the DSM, autism was not recognized as a separate condition but was instead described as “childhood schizophrenia,” reflecting an outdated belief that it was an early form of psychosis caused by emotional disturbance. In 1980, the 3rd edition DSM  introduced “Infantile Autism” under Pervasive Developmental Disorders, recognizing it as…

Understanding Dissociation and the Nervous System Dissociation can be understood as a temporary disconnection from thoughts, emotions, sensations, or identity. It is the nervous system’s way of protecting us when an experience feels too overwhelming to process in the moment. While it can feel distressing, dissociation often begins as a survival response, not a flaw.…