This post explains how to write body paragraphs using two methods: the “just go for it” approach, and the step-by-step approach. Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages, so you should pick whichever one you find easier. If you’re able to just start writing, have at it. If “just start writing” is too daunting, the step-by-step method may be a better fit for you.

Due to executive dysfunction, many neurodivergent individuals struggle with task initiation, or getting started on a task. One strategy that can help is called the 5 second rule. Originally developed by Mel Robbins, this technique involves counting down backwards from 5, like a rocket ship counting down to blastoff. Once the countdown is over, you should immediately take action to begin your task.

Writing a thesis statement is often presented as a large, daunting task. However, a thesis statement is actually just a 1-2 sentence summary of your essay. Once you’ve created an outline, you can write a thesis statement simply by extracting the main point and supporting points from your outline, then turning them into a sentence.

This post provides an example of how to create an outline, following the four steps in the general outlining post of this series: gather evidence, find your supporting points, draft a main point, and assemble your outline. For students who learn best with examples, this post may help clarify the outlining process.

Many students use memorization to cram before a test, only to forget everything afterward. Although this strategy may result in acceptable grades in the short term, consistently favoring memorization over deep learning often increases overall study time, and can make future classes more difficult. Although memorization certainly has its place in academics, focusing on deep learning can save you time and effort, building the foundation you need to succeed both now and in the future.

This post discusses how outlining can make essay writing easier, and provides step-by-step instructions for creating an outline. First, it explains how to gather evidence related to your topic, then find patterns in that evidence to come up with 2-4 supporting points. These supporting points can then be used to develop your main point. This main point along with the supporting points (and their evidence) make up your outline.

Due to difficulties with organization, executive functioning, and open-ended questions, neurodivergent students often find essays particularly challenging. In this series, I will break down essay writing into a clear, step-by-step guide that focuses on accommodating neurodivergence. This post covers the first step of writing an essay: selecting a topic, including how to generate topic ideas and how to narrow it down to just one.

This post explores how social stigma and shame can lead people to self-sabotage by repeatedly discontinuing necessary medical treatment as soon as their condition begins to improve. Despite ample evidence of the negative consequences, even a perfectly intelligent, rational individual might not realize they’re self-sabotaging, sometimes repeating the cycle for years. Increased awareness and understanding of this cycle is one of the first steps to breaking out of it.

In this post, I discuss the purpose of inclusive language, and how it differs from political correctness. Then, I reveal how one can ascend to perfection, always use the most inclusive language, and never offend anyone (Spoiler: It’s impossible). Finally, I explore some methods to educate others about inclusive language, focusing on being kind, effective, and preserving your own sanity.

Many neurodivergent people hesitate to ask for accommodations because they feel like they don’t really need them, regardless of how much they suffer without them. This self-gaslighting stems from internalized ableism, and is particularly common among women, minorities, and those who are late-diagnosed. In this post, I discussed the difference between discomfort and distress, along with several strategies to help you determine which one you’re experiencing.

Learn about the language and symbols of Autism, including common vocabulary used in the Autistic community, whether you should say “person with autism” or “Autistic person,” and an explanation of why the Autistic community has rejected the puzzle piece in favor of the rainbow infinity symbol. Part 2 of a series introducing Autistic culture.

Explore the basics of Autistic culture, including what it is, where it came from, and the core values and norms of the Autistic community (direct communication and honesty, special interests, respect for autonomy and consent, stimming as normal, and acceptance over assimilation). Part 1 of a series introducing Autistic culture.