Attention deficit disorder and autism co-occur at high rates. They are both forms of innate neurodivergence. This means that they are genetic and can be present in childhood. They are similar. The overlap between them is poorly understood since the diagnosis manual we use as clinicians was released in 2013 when a clinician could not diagnose both ADHD and autism.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) was created by psychologist Richard Schwartz.  Schwartz worked as a family therapist and noticed that people described their thoughts and feelings as different parts. Furthermore, he discovered that people’s parts often did not get along or were in conflict with one another. As a result, Schwartz began to develop a system of practice that sought to help a person’s parts work in harmony to promote well-being and balance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared loneliness a “global health threat”. They have started new programs to help establish social connection as a global health priority.

Healthy relationships are important for our wellbeing. We need secure bonds with people who we trust and can rely on. Romantic or nonromantic these are of the utmost importance. Feeling loved unconditionally, being treated well, and communicating properly are signs of a healthy connection. Some people find it difficult to sit with these feelings. They push that person away whenever there is an opportunity. Sometimes people can sabotage a relationship that could be good for them. Self-sabotage does not discriminate and is very common across the age and gender spectrum. Running away from relationships that are good for you is not the only option. Self-sabotage is a solution that is harmful to one's self.