Love isn’t just for the young. Yet for many mature neurodivergent adults—whether autistic, have ADHD, a learning disability, or another form of neurodivergence—dating can feel like competing in a marketplace that often rewards speed, charisma, and unwritten social rules rather than authenticity.
For those of us entering or re-entering the dating world later in life, the challenge isn’t simply finding someone. It’s finding someone who appreciates us for who we are. Read More
Living with NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder) has shaped many of my social experiences, especially when it comes to relationships, rejection, and trying to connect with others. One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is that not everyone will understand me, accept me, or want to be close to me. For a long time, I took rejection very personally, especially from family members and in friendships. I often believed that if people disliked me or pulled away, it meant there was something wrong with me. Over time, I have started learning that rejection is painful, but it does not define my worth as a person. Read More
This article was originally posted by Benjamin Meyer, LCSW-R on https://www.benjaminmeyerlcsw.
We know that it can be difficult to date as a neurodivergent person. When I first created a dating curriculum, I wanted to offer a guide for understanding the stages of dating, how to recognize and practice flirting, and how to develop self-confidence. While this group was a helpful start, I began to realize that there is more that could be offered by creating a space for neurodivergent people, including those with NVLD, to support one another in the dating process. Many neurodivergent people are told to date using neurotypical norms but may not have the opportunity to discover what will work for them. I wanted to run a group for people who weren’t necessarily looking to be told how to date but rather wanted to provide reinforcement to one another on their own dating journey. Read More
Throughout my life, I have struggled to make friends. I can remember, as early as three years old, approaching adults rather than kids my own age out of fear of rejection. This worry has permeated my entire life.
I yearned for companionship, often feeling alone and isolated. In my mid-twenties, I attended a few events, but no friendships came from them. A couple of months after I turned 33, I made a decision: I wasn’t going to be lonely anymore.
I was saddened by the recent passing of Alice Wong, an American Disability Rights Activist and author. Alice Wong was the first disability advocate I encountered when I began my Disability Studies journey, and her impact has stayed with me ever since. Her unapologetic activism, her storytelling, and her commitment to disability justice opened my eyes to what true advocacy looks like. Read More
Growing up with only one sibling who excelled in everything was both difficult and highly rewarding. So in this piece, I will share the positives and negatives. As deep down I know, in the end, it gave me a much brighter future.
For example, right away, I decided to stay in sports despite having gross motor skills deficits. This was a surprise to many as most thought based on my deficits I needed to do the manager route. However, by attending my sister’s athletic events, I understood if I wasn’t in sports I would miss out on so much. This led me to challenge myself, and at times I did think the doubters were right. Fortunately I learned rather quickly that by being in athletics, you can meet great friends and mentors. What was special about this was that both me and my sister I received multiple awards during our athletic careers and without wanting to keep with her I wouldn’t have had these very positive experiences. Read More
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