Mind2Heart Connections

An additional thought about Jason Arday, because this part of his story has really stayed with me.

Speaking about errors found in some of his earlier academic work, Jason explained that his autism played a role — that he had relied on mimicry to make sense of information.

He also said something that really struck me:

“We’re talking about academia here. I didn’t murder somebody.”

And I think this speaks to something much bigger.

We have come to a place where people feel entitled to say almost anything about another human being from behind a screen — while at the same time still expecting everyone to fit neatly inside the boxes we have created for how a person should communicate, learn, work, behave and succeed.

Jason was autistic.

Yet when the way he processed information or navigated academia didn’t fit the expected mould, there seemed to be very little grace for his neurodivergence.

We celebrate neurodivergent people for overcoming barriers — until their neurodivergence actually shows up.

Then suddenly we expect them to think, communicate and perform exactly like everyone else.

That is ableism.

Accountability can exist alongside curiosity, context and compassion.

We can address mistakes without relentlessly attacking someone’s character.

And perhaps the question we need to ask more often is not simply, “Why didn’t this person do it the way we expected?”

But:

“Are our expectations leaving any room for brains that work differently?”

Because inclusion cannot mean you are welcome here, as long as you can behave exactly like us.

I already knew Jason Arday’s incredible story.

An autistic boy who did not speak until 11, learned to read and write at 18, and went on to become the youngest Black professor appointed at Cambridge.

He died at just 41.

What I didn’t know was the extent of the public scrutiny and online abuse he had reportedly been living with in recent years.

And it made me think about ableism — and why helping neurodivergent children understand themselves early matters so much.

When a child doesn’t understand why their brain works differently, other people often fill in the blanks:

Too sensitive.
Too much.
Lazy.
Difficult.
Awkward.
Not trying hard enough.

Eventually, those messages can become their own inner voice.

This is why I don’t believe helping a child understand their autism, ADHD, sensory needs or nervous system is “giving them a label.”

It is giving them language before the world gives them shame.

Because ableism isn’t always obvious.

Sometimes it is expecting a neurodivergent person to think, communicate, regulate and behave like everyone else — and judging their character when they can’t.

We need children to grow up knowing:

My brain is different. I know what I need. And different does not mean less.

That self-understanding matters more than we realize. ❤️

Just for today.....

What would you add to this list?

Overdose Awareness Month....

Supporting those in recovery and their families!
Promoting education.

Has addiction impacted your life?

The Thriving with ADHD program will utilize various therapeutic modalities, that could be helpful in supporting someone with ADHD, such as:

Developing effective time management skills
Improving impulse control
Enhancing focus
Reducing procrastination
Setting realistic goals
Creating coping techniques
Boosting problem-solving abilities
Understanding and managing emotions

Reach out.
It is not about surviving with ADHD, it is about THRIVING!

Let's get ready for a new school year.

Is your child excited about returning to school?
Is it a transition year for them?
Are you concerned as a parent?

Our anxiety therapy program supports kids with general anxiety, social anxiety, or panic attacks, and provides guidance for parents too.

We are here for you.

A Monday Moment with Laura, our founder...

What is one of your favourite movies?

My favourite movie has to be Ghost.
I remember seeing it in a small theatre in North Simcoe… we had brought a couple of nephews with us who were teen boys! Probably not their cup of tea.

At the end of the movie, I was not able to leave as I was still in throes of ugly crying!! To this day 35 years or so later, I still tear up when re-watch that movie.

I still am a sucker for a great romantic comedy!!

What is one of your Favourite movies?

Meet Aniela!

Our Neuronest program for children and teens would not be what it is without her!

This program is for children ages 7–12.

We help children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and school challenges build confidence and connection.

We'd love to send you more information. Send us a message with your email address, or give our offices a call.

A few words from one of our NeuroNest staff members....

We love all this program includes for children (and teens) when it comes to feelings, self regulation, confidence, advocacy, inclusion and so much more.

Yes, we have room in the program for a few more children... Reach out, we do have information we can send to you. Message us.

The Personal window of Tolerance, what an important moment of self discovery!

People turn to marriage therapy, sometimes called couples or marriage counseling, for a range of reasons, and they come with various hopes for their relationships. They might be dealing with specific issues, and they’re looking to mend and enhance their relationships. Every couple’s story is one of a kind, and their goals are as unique as they are.

Therapy helps couples learn to communicate more openly and constructively.

We are here for you! Book a connection call.