Amy Duffy-Barnes
Understanding and Treating ARFID Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens
By Amy Duffy-Barnes, LMSW Clinical, Licensed Clinical Therapist at Heartstone Guidance Center Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder...
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Amy Duffy-Barnes
Oct 23 min read
Understanding the Intersection of Racism, Capitalism, and Autism
In our complex societal landscape, the interplay of race, class, and ability often shapes the experiences of marginalized communities. As...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Sep 105 min read
The Obligations of U.S. Public Schools to Provide Special Education Services to Neurodivergent Students, Even if They Are Getting Good Grades
"Not only are these children getting left behind, but some schools seem to be purposefully running them over with the school bus. As a...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 273 min read
The Impact of Capitalism on the Neurodivergent: The Importance of a Neurodiversity Affirming Framework Including Intersectionality with the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S Communities
Understanding the Neurodiversity Affirming Framework The neurodiversity affirming framework is a progressive approach that acknowledges...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
May 271 min read
Rage against the Dimming of Our Light An Ode to the Neurodivergent
Do not retreat forever into bright and gentle minds, resist the urge to stay hidden in safer space. By following our minds' swirling...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
May 163 min read
The Shortcomings of "Autism Spectrum Disorder Certified Specialists" as Therapists: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
*All of Heartstone Guidance Center's therapists who see autistic clients are autistic. As licensed mental health professionals who are...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Apr 123 min read
The Unsettling Reality of Mandatory Autism Databases
I recently took a trip to Maui where a scuba lesson went wrong and the instructor became upset with me, telling me I shouldn’t give up,...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Mar 292 min read
The Importance of Neurodiversity-Affirming School Social Emotional Learning SEL Standards for Autistic and other Neurodivergent Students
Understanding Neurodiversity Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and respects the range of differences in individual brain...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Mar 284 min read
The Importance of Sleep for Neurodivergent Individuals: Understanding Neurodivergence and Sleep
Neurodivergence refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions....
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Mar 242 min read
10 Neurodivergent Calm Down Strategies
1. Deep breathing exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. 2. Grounding...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Mar 148 min read
The ABCs of PDA: A Closer Look at Pathological Demand Avoidance
Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a behavioral pattern observed in children and adults who exhibit extreme resistance to everyday demands,...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Mar 143 min read
12 Somatic Exercises to Release Trauma
Healing from trauma involves addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of the experience. Somatic exercises offer a powerful...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 28, 20233 min read
Respecting Autistic Voices: Why Non-Autistic People Need to Stop Defining the Autistic Experience
The diversity of human experiences enriches our world, and embracing this diversity is essential for creating an inclusive and...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 20, 20232 min read
Strategies to Enhance Executive Functioning Skills for ADHD / Neurodivergent People
1. Task Prioritization and Time Management: Create a daily or weekly to-do list, ranking tasks by urgency and importance. Use...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 20, 20233 min read
Embracing Diversity: The Empowering Benefits of Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists providing neurodiversity-affirming therapy to other neurodivergent...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 20, 20233 min read
Sensory Diets for Autistic People of All Ages
A sensory diet is a carefully planned and individualized set of sensory activities designed to provide comfort, regulation, and support...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 19, 20233 min read
The Journey of Deconstructing and Reclaiming the Neurodivergent Self
Understanding False Self Constructs: False self constructs are external masks and personas that neurodivergent individuals adopt to fit...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 12, 20233 min read
Discovering the Power of Healing Breathwork: 8 Types of Breathing Exercises for Wellness
Breathwork is an ancient practice that harnesses the power of conscious and intentional breathing to promote physical, emotional, and...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 5, 20233 min read
Understanding Double Empathy: Building Bridges between Autistic and Non-Autistic Individuals
In recent years, a concept called "double empathy" has gained recognition as a framework for understanding and improving the interactions...
Amy Duffy-Barnes
Jul 5, 20232 min read
Embracing Neurodiversity: Dispelling the Myth of Autistic People and Theory of Mind
In our society, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the diverse ways in which human minds function. Neurodiversity encompasses the...
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