Uniqueness Archives - Lucinda Curran, Sound Healer & Life Coach

Supporting Neurodivergent Teens with Compassion and Space

by Lucinda | 31, Jul 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Neurodivergent, Shutdowns, Uniqueness

Supporting Neurodivergent Teens with Compassion and Space

If you’re parenting or guiding a neurodivergent teen — whether they’re autistic, ADHD, PDA, dyslexic, or wonderfully wired in other ways — you know how delicate this season of life can be.

Teens naturally crave independence, but for neurodivergent young people, this need is often magnified by a nervous system that’s easily overloaded. As a life coach and sound healer specialising in neurodivergence, I’ve witnessed time and again how gentle support, rather than heavy-handed help, makes all the difference.

Respecting their nervous system

Neurodivergent teens are often scanning for social and sensory threats without even realising it. What looks like “overreacting” may simply be their body protecting itself.

Pushing, pressuring or micro-managing can make them retreat even more. Try instead:

✅ “Would you like some help organising your week or prefer to handle it solo?”
✅ “I’ll be in the next room if you need me.”

These little shifts honour their autonomy — and calm their vigilant nervous system.

Less talking, more presence

Not every teen wants to “talk it out.” Words can scrape like sandpaper on raw nerves, especially when emotions are high.
So consider text messages, shared notes, or quiet parallel activities. Sometimes healing happens side by side, not face to face.

Honour their sensory recovery

After a day of bright lights, noisy corridors and constant social decoding, your teen might decompress by lying in bed scrolling. It’s not lazy — it’s survival. Their body needs this reset.

Co-regulate together

One of the most profound tools is simply your calm energy. Breathe slowly, soften your voice, ground your feet. Your nervous system will gently invite theirs to settle too.

This is where my sound healing comes in — the vibrations of bowls, drums or chimes can do wonders for both of you, regulating through resonance.

A reminder: they’re not broken

So many neurodivergent teens believe they’re too much, or not enough. They need to hear:

“It’s okay to rest.”
“Your brain isn’t wrong, it’s just different.”
“I love who you are.”

Want more gentle insights?

I go deeper into this in my video Supporting Neurodivergent Teens Without Smothering Them — watch it below.

You’ll also find these valuable:

Understanding PDA in Children (especially as demand avoidance often carries through to teens)
Why Eye Contact Can Feel So Hard (and That’s Okay) (because social overwhelm is real)

You can find these — along with soothing sound sessions, supportive chats, and honest reflections for my neurokin — on my YouTube channel, Different… And Loving It!

Supporting neurodivergent teens isn’t about fixing them.

It’s about offering them spacious compassion so they can unfold into their truest selves.

Why I Still Say Neurodivergence Is a Superpower

by Lucinda | 17, Jul 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Boundaries, Empowerment, Inspiration, Motivation, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

Why I Still Say Neurodivergence Is a Superpower

I know not everyone likes the term “superpower” when it comes to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other forms of neurodivergence.

Some say it sugarcoats real challenges. Others feel it sets unfair expectations. And I hear that — truly.

But here’s why I still say it.

Because For Many, The Starting Point Is Feeling Broken

When you grow up being constantly corrected, misunderstood, or labelled as “too much” or “not enough,” you internalise the belief that there’s something wrong with you.

Many of the neurodivergent people I work with (and this includes me) spent years feeling defective. Masking, shrinking, trying to meet standards that were never designed for our brains or bodies.

So when I say “your neurodivergence is a superpower,” it’s not to deny the hard bits. It’s to disrupt the old story that we’re somehow fundamentally flawed.

The Double-Sided Coin

Neurodivergence often means living with big challenges: sensory overload, executive dysfunction, overwhelm, social burnout.

But the same brain wiring that makes us struggle can also be what makes us shine.

That laser focus on a passion?
The way patterns jump out where others see nothing?
The creative problem-solving, deep empathy, or fierce sense of justice?

That’s not in spite of being neurodivergent. That’s because of it.

What It Feels Like Inside

When I’m in a flow state — writing, making music, or guiding a sound session — it’s like my entire nervous system is lit up from the inside. Everything clicks. Colours feel brighter, ideas spark, connections form effortlessly.

Is it overwhelming sometimes? Yes.
Is it beautiful? Also yes.

It’s why I sometimes describe neurodivergence as having a sensitive instrument — finely tuned, sometimes fragile, but capable of picking up and creating things others might miss.

Why “Superpower” Still Matters To Me

Because it reframes. It says:

You’re not broken, just different.
Your traits are not defects, they’re part of a beautifully complex design.
You have capacities that are unique — and deeply needed in this world.

It’s also about hope. About planting the idea that even if school, work, or relationships have felt like relentless uphill battles, there’s still immense value in how your brain and body work.

Of Course, Challenges Are Real

Saying “it’s a superpower” doesn’t mean ignoring meltdowns, shutdowns, executive dysfunction, or the exhausting reality of living in a world not built for us.

But it does invite us to see the whole picture — including the brilliance and magic woven through our differences.

Keep Exploring With Me

I talk more about this in my video Why I Still Say It’s a Superpower (Even When Others Don’t).

If you’ve ever felt caught between “I’m struggling” and “I’m extraordinary,” this one’s for you — it’s about rewriting the old narrative of brokenness into one of worth and wonder.

10 Traits of Neurodiverse People That Are Often Not Understood

by Lucinda | 10, Jul 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Empowerment, Inspiration, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

10 Traits of Neurodiverse People

It started over tea with a friend.

We’d barely sat down when she said, “I think my son’s brain just works differently. He remembers everything, feels so deeply, and can’t let something go if it doesn’t make sense.”

She wasn’t asking for a diagnosis—just clarity. As she shared story after story, I found myself nodding in recognition. So many of her son’s behaviours mirrored patterns I’ve seen in my work with neurodiverse kids and adults: intense focus, heightened sensitivity, and a unique way of seeing the world.

If you’ve ever felt like you or someone you love experiences life more vividly—more intensely—this list might help you understand why.

Here are 10 traits of neurodiverse people I often see in my work as a coach, sound healer, and tutor.

1. A High Level Of Self-Awareness

Many neurodiverse people have an exceptional ability to observe and articulate their inner world.

They may notice shifts in their emotional state, their energy, or how different environments affect them—often long before others do.

This can be both a gift and a burden, especially when others dismiss or misunderstand it.

2. Deep Knowledge In Special Interest Areas

When something sparks curiosity, it really sparks curiosity.

Whether it’s marine biology, animation, or vacuum cleaners, the ability to retain detail and understand complex systems runs deep.

These “deep dives” are often a source of both joy and regulation.

3. A Unique Personal Rulebook

Neurodiverse people often develop their own set of internal rules—ways the world should work.

These might seem arbitrary to others, but they provide a sense of order and safety.

Sometimes these rules apply just to them; other times, they expect those around them to follow suit, especially when fairness or logic is involved.

4. Sensory Sensitivity (And Overwhelm)

Whether it’s the low hum of a fluorescent light, the chaos of peak-hour traffic, or the sharp scent of a cleaning product, sensory input can become overwhelming.

One student of mine flapped her hands when stressed—a perfectly valid self-regulation strategy, yet misunderstood by her family. Others might rock, pace, or retreat into quiet.

These are not behaviours to “fix”—they’re important clues about regulation and overload.

5. Deep Focus And Attention To Detail

One glance, and a neurodiverse mind might absorb everything.

The crooked picture frame, the subtle shift in someone’s tone, the fact that Tuesday’s bin truck came seven minutes early.

This attention to detail can mean getting “stuck” on something small—but it also leads to precision, insight, and brilliance.

Want More?

This post accompanies my latest YouTube video, where I talk through each of these traits (and more).

If you’re curious about neurodiverse experiences, or just want to feel seen and validated, I’d love you to watch this video as I identify all 10 traits…

Understanding the traits of neurodiverse people isn’t about labelling or diagnosing—it’s about recognising differences and learning to support them.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply navigating your own identity, these insights can offer clarity and connection.

And maybe, like my friend over tea, you’ll begin to recognise that there’s nothing “wrong” at all—just a different way of being.

One that’s worth celebrating. 🎉

Come and join the conversation
in my (free) community.

Different... and Loving It! with LucindaCurran.com

You’re Not Too Sensitive

by Lucinda | 4, Jun 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Inspiration, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

You’re Not Too Sensitive — You’re Wired for Deep Awareness

“You’re just too sensitive.”

Heard that before?

For many neurodiverse people—and anyone who feels deeply—this phrase lands like a judgment. It’s often said with frustration, dismissal, or even pity.

But here’s the truth:

You’re not too sensitive.
You’re precisely sensitive enough.

Your nervous system isn’t faulty. It’s finely tuned.

You’re wired to notice details, energy shifts, subtle sounds, tiny injustices, unexpected beauty.

Where others might rush by, you pause. You feel. You see. And that is a profound gift.

🌿 Sensitivity ≠ Weakness

Let’s clear this up: being sensitive doesn’t mean being fragile. It means being deeply aware.

You might:

Sense tension in a room before anyone says a word
Feel overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, or background noise
Cry during music, movies, or at the sight of something beautiful
Need time alone to reset after socialising
Notice patterns, inconsistencies, or small acts of kindness that others miss

None of this means you’re broken. It means you’re in tune. In a world that rewards speed and surface-level interaction, your deep awareness is a quiet kind of power.

🌀 The Link Between Sensitivity and Neurodiversity

Many neurodiverse people—especially those with autism, ADHD, or traits linked to sensory processing—experience heightened sensitivity.

This can show up physically (like noticing every flicker of fluorescent lighting) or emotionally (like feeling the mood of a friend before they even speak).

We’ve been taught to hide this. To mask. To “toughen up.”

But what if the world needs more feeling, not less?

🔍 What Your Sensitivity Tells You

Think of it like this: your sensitivity is feedback. It’s information. It tells you when something is off, when a space feels safe, when someone needs support. It also tells you what brings you joy, peace, comfort, and connection.

Instead of ignoring it, you can learn to listen. To trust it.

And to build a life that honours it.

💖 You Deserve Environments That Feel Kind

You don’t need to be less sensitive.

You need environments that are more aligned with how you function best.

That might mean:

Choosing quieter cafés
Wearing soft clothes in calming colours
Surrounding yourself with people who respect your pacing
Saying no to things that leave you overstimulated or emotionally drained

These choices aren’t indulgent—they’re necessary. For your nervous system, your creativity, your wellbeing.

🌸 You’re Allowed to Be Fully You

You were never meant to fit into a world that silences sensitivity.

You were meant to help shape a world that honours it.

So the next time someone says you’re too sensitive, you might pause… and smile.

Because now you know:

You’re not too sensitive.
You’re deeply aware.
And that’s your strength.

🎤 Share Your Thoughts

What will you say next time someone says you’re “too sensitive”? Share in the comments below – let’s inspire each other!

And if you feel inspired, come and start chatting in our Different… And Loving It! community.

How to Stop Feeling Broken

by Lucinda | 17, Apr 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Boundaries, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

How to Stop Feeling Broken – You’re Just Different

Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you’re not quite right? That somehow, you missed a memo on how to “human” correctly?

Maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive, too intense, too quiet, too loud, too much—or not enough.

That feeling of not fitting in can be overwhelming. It can convince you that you’re somehow broken.

But here’s the truth: You are not broken. You’re just different.

And different is NOT a flaw.

What Feeling Broken Really Means

That “feeling broken” sensation often comes from years of internalising messages that something about you needs fixing.

For many neurodiverse people, that message starts early: at school, in social groups, in work environments built for a different kind of brain.

Feeling broken isn’t really about who you are. It’s about how you’ve been made to feel.

When the world isn’t designed with your way of thinking, feeling, or sensing in mind, it can wear you down.

But your differences – your sensitivities, your focus, your perspective – aren’t errors. They’re signals of a mind that works uniquely.

Reframing “Broken” as “Brilliant”

Let’s flip the narrative.

What if those things that make you feel broken are actually signs of brilliance?

🌱 Struggle in noisy environments? That might mean you have finely tuned sensory awareness.
💡 Need time alone to recharge? You may process deeply and feel more than others.
✨ Communicate differently? That’s not a flaw—it’s another form of fluency.

The world needs all kinds of thinkers, feelers, and beings. Your uniqueness might just be the perspective someone else is longing to hear.

How to Start Healing That Feeling

If you’re stuck in the cycle of feeling broken, here are a few gentle steps to help shift that story:

Notice the narrative
Pay attention to the inner voice that says, “I’m too much” or “I don’t belong.”
Whose voice is that? Often, it’s not yours.
Seek spaces that celebrate difference
When you find places—online or in real life—where people get you, it’s like a deep exhale. Community matters.
Speak kindly to yourself
Start small: “I am doing my best.” “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Let those words begin to soften the edges.
Recognise your strengths
Make a list of what you do well—not just achievements, but traits: creativity, compassion, pattern recognition, perseverance.
Start to celebrate you.
Get support
Whether it’s a coach, therapist, mentor or trusted friend –
Being seen and heard by someone who understands can be powerful.

You Are Not Broken—You Are Becoming

If no one has told you lately: there is nothing wrong with you.

Yes, the world can be confusing, harsh, and overwhelming. But you? You are still whole.

You’re allowed to feel tired. You’re allowed to feel lost. And you’re allowed to rest.

But please don’t mistake being different for being broken.

Because in your difference lies your depth, your strength, and your quiet brilliance.

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your reactions, thoughts and feelings.

5 Signs You’re Different – And Why That’s a Gift

by Lucinda | 28, Feb 2025 | Empowerment, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

5 Signs You’re Different (And Why That’s a Gift)

Do you often feel like you don’t quite fit into the world around you? Have you noticed that you’re different? Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too much” or “too different,” but what if those very traits are what make you extraordinary?

If you’re wondering if you’re different, the truth is—you probably are.

And that’s not just okay; it’s a gift.

Here are five signs that set you apart—and how they can empower you to create a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and completely your own.

1. You Struggle to Fit In

It’s not always easy to blend in with the crowd, and that’s okay.

Many people who are different find it hard to conform to societal expectations.

But here’s the thing: trying to fit into a box that wasn’t made for you only dims your true light.

The fact that you don’t fit in means you have the freedom to create your own path and live authentically.

2. You See Things Differently

People who are different often have a unique perspective on the world.

Whether it’s how you process information, approach challenges, or create solutions, your mind works in ways others might not understand.

While this can feel isolating at times, it’s also an incredible strength—your ability to think outside the box allows you to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the world.

3. You Don’t Mind Standing Out

While many fear standing out, those who are different often embrace it.

Whether it’s through your personal style, beliefs, or passions, you’re not afraid to be yourself.

This might intimidate some people, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

When you stand in your truth, you inspire others to do the same.

4. You Experience Emotions Deeply

Being different often comes with heightened emotional sensitivity.

You may feel things more deeply than others, be highly empathetic, or experience an intense connection to the world around you.

While society sometimes labels this as “too sensitive,” it’s actually a profound gift.

Your emotional depth allows you to form meaningful connections and understand people in a way that others can’t.

5. You Feel a Strong Sense of Purpose

If you’ve always felt a deep drive to do something meaningful—even if it’s different from what others expect—you’re likely someone with a strong sense of purpose.

People who are different don’t follow trends; they create them.

Your passion and vision are powerful forces, guiding you toward a life that truly matters.

You’re Different—And That’s a Strength

Recognising that you’re different is the first step in unlocking your full potential.

The world needs people who think differently, act boldly, and embrace their uniqueness.

When you lean into who you truly are, you not only empower yourself—you give others permission to do the same.

Next Steps: Step Into Your Radiance

If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to fully embrace your uniqueness, I invite you to take the next step with Radiance Coaching.

🌟 Radiance Coaching is designed to help you:
✅ Embrace what makes you different with confidence
✅ Overcome self-doubt and societal expectations
✅ Step into a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and joyful

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s uncover your true radiance together.

💛 Let’s Chat about Your Personalised Radiance Coaching Package today.