September is Deaf Awareness Month, and it should lead to action, not just talk. The most important action is this: put Deaf children first. Give them what they need right away. I wrote before about why language matters early for Deaf children. You can read that article here: Why Early Language Access Matters More Than Hearing. It explains what happens when a Deaf child does not get full language early, and why waiting for a cochlear implant to work can be risky. To be clear,

Part 3 of 3: What Real Recovery Actually Looks Like Part 1 of this series covers what neurodivergent burnout is and why it happens. Part 2 looks at Bare Minimum Mondays and what it says about the need to pace differently. This final part is about what comes next — what recovery actually looks like, and what can help prevent burnout from taking over again. One important thing to say upfront: recovery from neurodivergent burnout is not linear. Some days will feel like progress

Part 2 of 3: What a Viral Trend Tells Us About Neurodivergent Burnout Part 1 of this series covers what neurodivergent burnout is and what causes it. If you haven't read it yet, start there — it sets the foundation for everything in this post. This part is about a trend that started on TikTok and struck a nerve with millions of people — especially neurodivergent workers. It is called Bare Minimum Mondays. And while it might sound like an excuse to do less, there is something

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Exhaustion Behind the Mask Most people know what it feels like to be burned out. Tired, stressed, running on empty. But for neurodivergent people — those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other brain differences — burnout can go much deeper than that. It is not just a rough week. It is a kind of total exhaustion that can last for months and touches every part of a person's life. Sound familiar? You are not alone. This is Part 1 of a three-part se

If your child has a learning disability, you've probably heard the terms IEP and 504 Plan thrown around a lot. And while those two are the most common starting points, they're not the only tools available to you. Understanding the bigger picture can help you ask better questions and advocate more confidently for your child. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what's out there. The Two You've Probably Already Heard Of If it has been a while since you last looked at either pla

A learning disability is when a person's brain works differently. It can make it hard to read, write, do math, or remember things. Learning disabilities are not a disease. They are not something you can catch. And they are not anyone's fault. Many people do not know the truth about learning disabilities. Wrong ideas can hurt people and make it harder for them to get help. About 15 to 20 out of every 100 people have a learning disability. That is a lot of people! But many of t

A guide for neurodivergent and Deaf or Hard of Hearing students — and the families walking alongside them Hey — whether you're the one packing up for campus this fall or the parent stress-eating snacks at the kitchen table while your kid pretends everything is fine: you're in the right place. 👋 The fact that you're thinking about this now, while summer is still in full swing, already puts you ahead of a lot of people. Pat yourself on the back. Seriously. But let's be real —

Summer is the perfect season to find a book that feels like it was written just for you. Whether you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, or you're still figuring out how your brain works — the right book can show you a character who thinks the way you think, struggles the way you struggle, and comes out the other side not fixed, but understood. Every book on this list celebrates brain differences. None of them treat neurodivergence as a problem to solve.

As we celebrate ADA 36, OUL honors the disability rights movement and the ongoing fight for access, dignity, inclusion, and belonging. The ADA reminds us that access is not charity — access is civil rights.

Summer is almost here — and if you're still looking for the right camp for your neurodivergent child, you're not too late, but now is the time to move quickly. Many specialized programs fill up fast, and taking the time to find the right fit can make all the difference between a confidence-building experience and a frustrating one. For parents of neurodivergent children — including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing — choosing a summer camp involves more than picking activ