Santa Cruz ADHD

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Be kind and patient with everyone. It's that simple.

Kids shouldn't have to carry blue candy buckets on Halloween to indicate autism. This blue bucket idea is total ableist trash.

Kids don't have to wear some kind of symbol or disclose their medical history to you, in order to get free candy.

If a kid doesn't say "trick-or-treat" so what? Here’s an idea, don't be a jerk who expects children to perform for you to get a 2- inch candy bar.

It's free candy day. If you're determined make children jump through hoops for you, just shut your Iights off so we don't waste our time.

Everybody gets free candy.

No costume? Free candy.

No talking? Free candy. Too old? Free candy. I don't care if you show up with a beard, a martini and a lit cigarette--I'll hand you a candy bar when you hold out your bag.

This world is a total dumpster fire and the idea that an autistic child has to hold a special plastic pumpkin to be treated like a normal kid on Halloween is garbage.

**I've been told by one person that the original essay was written by Kiera Brown. That is not where I found this and I've posted this almost annually for years, but want to give her a hat tip, great minds think alike, I guess.

10/25/2026

GRIT is what drives you from within , your passion, perseverance, purpose, and determination.

🌱 SITUATION is everything around you , your environment, relationships, mentors, and support system.

The secret? You need BOTH to thrive! 💛

Let's explore how small changes in your mindset and surroundings can help you overcome challenges, build better habits, and move closer to your goals.

📅 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM Pacific | 7:00 PM Eastern
🎙️ Led by Rick Webster
📖 Grit + Situated by Angela Duckworth

✨ No need to read the books beforehand! Just come ready to learn, share, and connect.

💬 Let's talk: What's helped you succeed more , your determination or the people and environment around you?

💙 We'd love to see you there!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86803046863?pwd=xC6AxQbA53TUfgbtKQw7BR6mUWTp29.1&utm_source=chatgpt.com

10/23/2026

What is your biggest struggle as someone with AuDHD?

Some common ones are:
You need routine, but you crave novelty so you struggle to keep it.

You want things organised. Clutter makes it harder to think. You know where everything should go, but sorting, deciding and putting things away takes more effort than you have available. So you end up with several doom bags, drawers or closets in the house.

You need less noise, but still need stimulation.
The TV and people talking become overwhelming. But sitting in silence makes you restless. You might need quiet surroundings while walking, doodling or using a fidget.

You need a break, but can’t settle.
You finally get an evening with no plans. You’re exhausted, yet keep reaching for your phone or getting up to do something. Having time to rest doesn’t always mean you can relax.

You care about doing something properly. Halfway through, another thought or task takes your attention. The unfinished work still matters to you, even while you struggle to return to it.

You are not lazy, indecisive, unpredictable or difficult. These conflicting needs existe due to the combination of ASD and ADHD characteristics.

Share this to help people understand the conflicting needs you’re trying to manage every day.

10/23/2026

❤️ Love, ADHD, and Relationships: Let’s Talk About It! ❤️

Does ADHD sometimes make relationships feel more complicated than they need to be? You're not alone! 💕

ADHD can impact communication, emotional connection, household responsibilities, intimacy, and even how couples handle everyday challenges.

💡 The FREE ADHD Couples’ Palooza is happening October 23–25, 2026!

This three-day online event brings together ADHD and relationship experts to share practical strategies for:

💜 Improving communication and understanding

💜 Breaking cycles of frustration and conflict

💜 Managing emotional overwhelm

💜 Creating a more balanced partnership

💜 Rebuilding connection and strengthening relationships

✨ The best part? It's FREE!

Whether you have ADHD, love someone with ADHD, or simply want to better understand how ADHD affects relationships, this event is for you!

You can attend with your partner or on your own. No formal ADHD diagnosis is required.

📅 October 23–25, 2026

💻 Online | FREE Registration (link in the comments)

Because sometimes the key to a stronger relationship isn't loving each other more — it's understanding each other better. ❤️

10/22/2026

“I’m highly motivated at the start of a new project. I buy supplies, make preparations, but then never start the project or leave it half-way done. It’s as if all the joy is in the planning. Then my motivation evaporates. Why is that?”
👉 https://www.additudemag.com/why-cant-i-finish-anything-adhd-motivation/

10/21/2026

Workplace accommodations can make a significant difference for AuDHD adults navigating environments that may not naturally fit their sensory, communication, or executive functioning needs.

Meetings, changes to routines, unclear expectations, and sensory demands can require additional energy to navigate throughout the workday.

Some accommodations that may be helpful include:

🎈 Written agendas before meetings to provide time to prepare and process information.

🎈 Camera-off options during meetings to reduce visual and social demands.

🎈 Flexible hours to support different energy levels and working patterns.

🎈 A flexible work location when remote or hybrid work is available.

🎈 Closed captions on videos and other audiovisual content.

🎈 Clear expectations provided in writing so instructions can be reviewed as needed.

🎈 Advance notice of changes to routines, schedules, or expectations.

🎈 Written instructions for tasks to support memory, organization, and follow-through.

🎈 Quiet or low-sensory workspaces to reduce distracting environmental input.

Without appropriate supports, you may spend significant energy masking, managing sensory overload, switching between tasks, interpreting unclear expectations, or adjusting to unexpected changes.

Over time, this additional effort can contribute to exhaustion, overwhelm, difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, and burnout.

At Blue Sky Learning, we support neurodivergent adults in understanding their needs, identifying helpful accommodations, and developing strategies that support them at work and in everyday life.

Book a free 20-minute consultation at www.blueskylearning.ca or email [email protected]

Follow for more neurodiversity-affirming education, coaching, and mental health support.