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For decades, the standard image of ADHD has been a young boy, physically hyperactive, disrupting a classroom, and unable to sit still. But as a psychologist, business owner, and neurodivergent woman navigating this world, I can tell you that this stereotype has done a profound disservice to millions of women. For us, ADHD is rarely about running around the room; it’s about a mind that never stops running, a "battery" that constantly feels like it’s drained, and a lifetime sp

If you are neurodivergent—whether you have ADHD, Autism, or both—you may be experiencing neurodivergent burnout  and constantly wondering, “Why am I so tired?!” This deep, all-consuming exhaustion can feel confusing and discouraging, especially after a day where, on paper, you “didn’t do much.” You might look at your neurotypical peers who move effortlessly from a 9-to-5 job to the gym, grocery shopping, and social plans and think, How are they doing all of that? When you’re

Over the last few years, researchers have learned more about gender differences in ADHD. We now know symptoms tend to present differently in men and women. The stereotypical presentation of a hyperactive, impulsive, and disruptive boy doesn’t capture the experience of most women with ADHD. Women tend to present with more inattentive symptoms, difficulty with memory, and poor organization.  Recently I’ve had a ton of women coming to my office saying their ADHD symptoms vary d

The transition into a new year often arrives with a heavy burden of expectation. Scroll through social media, and you’ll be bombarded with pronouncements of ambitious, sweeping goals: "Run a marathon," "Lose 50 pounds," "Achieve peak organization," or "Launch a lucrative side hustle." The collective pressure to embark on a radical, immediate self-overhaul is palpable. While the spirit of a fresh start can certainly be motivating, this aggressive approach to resolutions can qu

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly common yet often frustrating: building habits .  If you've ever tried to implement a new routine—eating healthier, working out regularly, or limiting social media—only to quit shortly after and be left feeling inadequate, frustrated, and hopeless, you're not alone. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to implement a new habit only to find myself giving up after trying for a short time. This cycle left me feeling inadequate,

Recently, my Neurodivergent Women’s Group  asked me to lead a discussion on one of the most vital—and often most draining—topics in their lives: communication strategies in relationships . For a neurodivergent person, clear communication is not a soft skill; it is a survival skill . It is the non-negotiable foundation for maintaining mental health, avoiding burnout, and fostering genuine connection with the people you care about. When your brain processes the world differentl

I had a conversation recently that truly solidified something I've been seeing for years in my practice at Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants  (GBHC): our current systems—from education to mainstream medicine—are failing to see, understand, and properly support neurodivergent individuals, especially those in diverse populations. And I'm not talking about a small oversight. I’m talking about a crisis in care, and it stems from a profound and dangerous gap in professional tr

As a psychologist and the owner of Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants , I spend my days working with adults, teens, and families who are navigating the complexities of neurodivergence (ND). On top of that, I’m also a mom to neurodivergent children. This dual perspective—professional expertise combined with the lived reality of parenting—gives me a unique lens through which to view the challenges our kids face, and perhaps more importantly, the areas where our current suppo

The holidays are often marketed as the “most wonderful time of the year.” We’re surrounded by images of cozy gatherings, sparkling lights, and smiling families around the dinner table. But for many people, the holiday season brings not just joy, but also a heavy dose of stress and anxiety. Between travel, finances, social expectations, and family dynamics, the pressure can pile up quickly. Let’s not forget the actual day of stressors either. Trying to juggle being in multiple

Lately, I’ve been busy speaking at public events, focusing on neurodiversity and the vital importance of claiming our strengths as neurodivergent individuals. This work has really pushed me to reflect on why this advocacy is so crucial. After these talks, so many people have approached me—some with a diagnosis, some self-identifying—sharing their stories. They’ve talked about the challenges they’ve faced, struggles with getting a diagnosis, or even just sharing about a loved

If you’ve spent your life feeling like you’re reading a script that no one else has, or that the emotional and social demands of the world leave you feeling perpetually exhausted and misunderstood, you are not alone. This unique, often bewildering experience can be a sign that your brilliant brain is wired for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As a licensed psychologist with lived experience and clinical expertise in neurodivergence, I’m passionate about fostering a genuine con

October is ADHD Awareness Month. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition which is characterized by difficulty with attention, executive dysfunction, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This condition can present differently among people with some people presenting with only inattentive symptoms, some with only hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, but most commonly with a combination of both.  While ADHD was initially thought to be a condition

Lexi Dalley is a second-year doctoral student in clinical psychology who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the topic of mental health. A 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri, Lexi’s background includes working part-time in a preschool setting, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of emotional well-being at every stage of life. As a psychology student balancing the demands of school, work, and personal growth, she offers a

We are pleased to share that Gateway Behavior Health Consultants was chosen by the 36,000 votes in St. Louis Magazine as the...

This post is the fifth in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the fourth in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the third in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

Although summer is a great time to unwind, go on vacations, and have fun, it is important for families with kids who are neurodivergent ...

This post is the second in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...

This post is the first in our six-week series on understanding common mental health disorders. Come back to our blog each week for a new...