When parenthood becomes a mirror: discovering your own Ferrari brain

Imagine if the label in your shirt feels like sandpaper, whisper-quiet light feels like a spotlight, or the smell of the cafeteria makes you nauseous. For many children with autism, this is daily reality. What feels 'normal' to us can be overwhelming for them.

ASD is a spectrum - from children who are non-verbal to highly gifted children who excel in all areas except socially.

Autism is often recognized late - sometimes only at school, when social and communication challenges become more apparent. But the signs are often there much earlier. As a therapist, I regularly see parents who say: "I knew something was different, but I couldn't put my finger on it." The good news? The earlier you recognize these signs, the sooner you can support your child in a way that fits them.

This is the world of children with ASD, a world where everything works just a little differently, where sounds, light, and emotions have a different meaning than for most people.

There's a moment when you realize that being different isn't a curse but a gift. A moment when you feel: this is who I am, and that's okay. It's like a Ferrari finally getting the right fuel - your strength only truly comes into its own when you accept yourself as you are.

The antique cabinet: understanding the gifted mind

Imagine this: you have a beautiful Ferrari - powerful, full of potential, ready to go. But the brakes... they don't always work like they should. This is how intimacy can feel when ADHD sits at the table in your relationship. For many ADHD partners, intimacy feels like a dance between extremes. One moment you're completely present, intensely connected, hyperfocused on your partner. The next moment your thoughts drift to the laundry that still needs doing, yesterday's conversa

Do you recognize that feeling? Your four-year-old who suddenly asks where time goes when it passes. Or your toddler who can already hold entire conversations about the origin of the universe. As a parent, you sometimes stand amazed at the questions and observations that come from that little mouth. And your child? They often stand amazed too - not at the questions they ask, but at the reactions they receive.

How often have you thought: 'My partner just doesn't understand me'? You try to explain what you feel, but it seems like you're speaking different languages. I recognize this daily in my practice - and it's more normal than you think.

Your four-year-old toddler stands in the playground. While other children run around happily together, she stands on the sidelines. Not because she doesn't want to play, but because she first wants to analyze all possible routes. She observes, thinks, plans. Her brain is working at full speed, like a Ferrari reving at the traffic light.

As we conclude our Ferrari series, we're going to talk about your 'garage' - in other words, how you can set up your environment so that your Ferrari brain can function optimally. Because just like a Ferrari needs the right conditions to perform, so does your ADHD brain.

Today, we're diving into an essential topic: how do you properly care for your powerful brain? Because just like a Ferrari needs regular maintenance, your brain also requires specific care and attention.

Today we dive into the dynamics of ADHD within partner relationships, and how you can learn to deal with this unique challenge together.

Today, we dive deeper into the 'Ferrari side' of your brain - the extraordinary powers and possibilities that ADHD gives you.

Imagine: you're driving a magnificent Ferrari. The engine purrs, you feel the pure power under your hood, and your head is full of brilliant ideas about where you want to go. But there's one small detail... your Ferrari has bicycle brakes. Sound familiar? Welcome to life with ADHD!