April - Autism Acceptance Month

Andrea Dasilva, Registered Clinical Counsellor



At the outset of the twentieth century, the word “autism” had already been on scene as an obscure state with inexplicable origins and symptoms; after a few generations, however, this transformed into a vibrant way of being that goes beyond the ordinary. The missing puzzle pieces in between? Acknowledging and respecting the person living with this diagnosis.

In the Beginning

After much research and interpretations of the condition called “autism”, the scientific, therapeutic, and societal perspective of this diagnosis has undergone many alterations. At first, it was considered an incurable problem hopelessly endured by a select few children; efforts were made to discover if and how it could be fixed or corrected. In 1994, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) officially identified it as a “pervasive developmental” disorder on a spectrum. Studies continued to pinpoint the genetics of this disorder. Ultimately, autism became classified according to clinical symptoms and compared to skewed “norms”: what about the person and their lived experiences of the condition?

Transition Time

Fifty-five years after the first diagnosis of autism, a new perspective took hold: neurodiversity. Instead of labelling one way of being as the norm, recognition and appreciation started to be given to individual differences in the functionality of Autistic persons. Rather than trying to “fix” what is unique or mask over characteristics, such differences were embraced and validated! 

Affirmation of Each Neuro(type)

Looking in the rearview mirror, it is plain to see how far we have come in our comprehension of autism. A large majority of Autistic persons prefer identity first language: autism is part of their identity and experience, not something they have. It is a way of being that is unique to each person and calls for adaptations that make thriving in this, not always accessible world, possible. 

The Adult Autism Centre takes a neuroaffirmative approach, learning from each person their unique experiences with social interactions, sensory processing, maintaining relationships, and preferences for self-regulating. The approach also focuses on identifying support systems and environmental adjustments that can build on each person’s strengths and enhance well-being.

Although there still exist many stigmas and a lack of inclusion in society and the workforce, the Autistic community has become more respectfully seen and noticed in modern-day society. There is an integral sense of confidence and acceptance when among those who understand what “normal” people deem incomprehensible. A sense of inclusion and support are unmistakable. It is possible for us to breathe a sigh of relief: neurodivergent individuals are being heard, and unique needs are getting noticed and attended to! We have come a long way from where we started in this adventure, and additional diverse progressions are sure to come!

ADHD & Tax Returns: Don't Get Trapped This Year

Naïma Laraki, M.sc CPCC PCC MCAC



ADHD and Tax Returns: Why It's So Difficult... and How to Cope

Tax season is a challenge for many, but for someone with ADHD, filing taxes can become a real self-regulation challenge.

It's not a lack of intelligence. It's not a lack of discipline. It's a matter of executive functions and self-regulation.

Why is the Tax Return Process so Difficult with ADHD?

• Planning
• Document Organization
• Time Management
• Sustained Attention
• Working Memory
• Ability to Complete a Long, Unstimulating Task

8 Concrete Strategies for Managing Tax Returns with ADHD

• Don't aim for perfection. Aim for filing.
• Break it down into actionable micro-tasks.
• Use a body double.
• Work in 25-minute blocks.
• Create external accountability.
• Implement a simple system for next year.
• Regulate stress quickly.
• Delegate without guilt.

Tax filing directly activates task initiation, working memory, planning, and emotional regulation. It's not a question of ability. It's a challenge of self-regulation. And self-regulation can be learned.

When Emotional Chaos Takes Over



Heart Coherence and the CUT-TRU Method to Navigate ADHD More Calmly

If you live with ADHD, you know it is not only about attention or organization. It is often about emotions that activate quickly and intensely.

More and more researchers recognize ADHD primarily as a challenge of self-regulation, especially emotional regulation. When emotions rise, the prefrontal cortex — responsible for discernment and planning — becomes less accessible.

Heart coherence directly supports the autonomic nervous system. By gently shifting your attention to the heart area and breathing slightly slower and deeper than usual, with equal length inhale and exhale, you send a message of safety to the brain.

We are not counting seconds. We are sensing. Then we add a gentle emotional intention such as gratitude, compassion, or appreciation. Even a micro feeling is enough.

CUT-TRU Method:

• C – Calm the physiology: regulate the body with heart focused breathing.
• U – Understand: name what is truly happening inside.
• T – Take ownership: reclaim your power of choice.
• TRU – Transform, Respond, Upgrade: choose a response aligned with your values.

ADHD is not a lack of willpower. It is a more reactive nervous system. And a nervous system can be trained.



For 7 days: Three times daily, practice 3–5 minutes of heart focused breathing. When strong emotion arises, apply CUT-TRU.

If you would like to integrate these tools in a personalized way, take advantage of your complimentary 20-minute discovery session.

Neurodivergent Celebration Week

Dana Daniels, M.Ed., OCT

Our very own Dana Daniels, Chief Neurodiversity Officer of our ADHD Training Academy, as well as Founder and CEO of Blue Sky Learning, was recently featured and interviewed by Global News for Neurodivergent Celebration Week, on March 16, 2026.

Click the button below to watch Dana speak to this very important week.