Calibrations Blog

Dating is often portrayed as an exciting whirlwind of discovery, flirtation, and connection. But for neurodivergent people, it can also be a minefield of sensory overload, unspoken expectations, and the pressure to mask in order to be accepted. The vulnerability required to date can feel amplified when you experience the world differently. How do you pursue intimacy without losing your sense of self? How do you stay regulated in a space that often rewards conformity? This pos

In a world full of constant alerts, bright lights, loud chatter, and relentless productivity pressure, sensory overload isn't just a possibility. It's often the default. For many neurodivergent individuals, and really anyone with a sensitive nervous system, the need for a calm, low-stimulation environment isn't a luxury. It's essential for functioning, emotional regulation, and even just staying present. Whether you're setting up a cozy corner in your home or adapting a works

Love languages usually come packaged into five neat categories: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. But if you're neurodivergent, these boxes can feel way too tight. What if the way you feel most loved is when someone gives you space, dives into your special interest with you, or helps you calm down during a rough moment? What if your version of a love language looks like comfortable silence, playing separately in the same

For a lot of neurodivergent folks, stimming isn't just something they do. It's actually essential for managing their day. Whether it's tapping fingers, rocking a bit, playing with a fidget toy, or humming softly, stimming helps people calm their anxiety, sharpen their focus, and make sense of sensory information. But here's the thing: in most workplaces and classrooms, stimming gets misunderstood or even shut down. This post is about how simple, desk-based accommodations can

Look, we've all heard it. The 9-to-5 is the gold standard. That's how "real work" gets done. Eight hours at your desk, consistent output, everyone following the same playbook. But if you're neurodivergent, you probably already know that this whole setup is kind of a disaster. Your energy isn't on some predictable schedule. You can't just power through when you're running on empty. And honestly? The way your brain works is completely different from what this system assumes. So

If you've ever caught yourself spiraling into long explanations, apologies, or justifications for something as simple as needing a break or making a request, you're not alone. A lot of neurodivergent people and trauma survivors experience this as part of a lesser-known stress response called the fawn response. Most of us have heard about fight, flight, or freeze, but "fawning" is actually the fourth trauma response and it tends to slip under the radar, especially in neurodive

You know that feeling when everything just becomes too much? When the world gets too loud, too bright, too fast, and something inside you just... breaks? For neurodivergent people, this isn't some rare meltdown that happens once in a blue moon. It's often what happens when your nervous system finally gives up trying to keep it together. And then comes the shame. That awful voice that says you should've been able to handle it better, that you're broken, that everyone's judgin

If you've ever found it easier to clean your kitchen while chatting with a friend or finish a task while someone else is quietly working nearby, you've experienced the magic of body doubling. This simple practice has become a go-to productivity tool for many people with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. But what is it, why does it work, and how can you start using it in your own life? Let’s explore how body doubling taps into our brain's social wiring to creat

For many neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD or autism, the simple act of staying still can feel like a barrier to getting anything done. Whether it's tapping a foot, doodling in a margin, or playing with a paperclip during meetings, movement can be more than a distraction, it can be a form of regulation. Despite the stigma that still surrounds fidgeting, research and lived experience continue to affirm what many already know: fidgeting can support focus, reduce

Creating a Dopamine Menu: Strategies to Spark Engagement If you’ve ever stared at your to-do list and felt completely paralyzed, you’re not alone. For many neurodivergent folks, especially those with ADHD or autism, the issue isn’t laziness or a lack of discipline. It’s about dopamine. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that plays a major role in motivation, reward, and engagement. Neurodivergent brains often have irregular dopamine activity, making it harder to start or stay

The Power of a Pause In a world that demands constant attention, it’s no surprise that our minds often feel overloaded. From the moment we wake up to the time our heads hit the pillow, we’re bombarded with noise, responsibilities, and digital chatter. For neurodivergent individuals and anyone living with chronic stress or anxiety, this constant mental stimulation can feel like trying to stand still in a windstorm. Anchor rituals are simple, repeatable actions designed to book

For many neurodivergent individuals, the traditional office or home workspace can feel more like a battleground than a sanctuary. Harsh lighting, clunky furniture, overwhelming noise, and disorganized layouts can overstimulate the senses and drain energy quickly. But creating a sensory-friendly workspace does not have to break the bank. With a little creativity, strategic choices, and a focus on what actually supports your nervous system, you can build an environment that fos

For decades, the public understanding of autism has been filtered through a lens of “functioning labels.” These terms, like...

The System Wasn’t Built for Them If you’ve ever sat through an IEP meeting, read a behavior report, or watched your child struggle to...

Therapy is meant to be a safe space. But for many neurodivergent clients, it can feel more like a performance than a place of healing....

The Problem with Praise Disguised as Pressure When someone is described as “high-functioning,” it often sounds like a compliment. It’s...

When most people hear the term sensory overload , they think of loud noises, blaring alarms, or crowded spaces full of shouting voices....

When Every Option Feels Like a Trap You’re staring at your options and none of them feel right. Or maybe they all feel equally...

You sit down to tackle something important. You know it matters. You want  to do it. But instead, you scroll your phone, stare at your...

For many people with ADHD, the word “routine” can feel like a trap. Rigid schedules often fall apart after one bad day, leading to...