Instagram story viewer> @drcolleencira> Posts

Dr. Colleen Cira | ADHD & Autism Coach

@drcolleencira

103.6K

followers

1674

following

⚡️Helping ADHD/Autistic folks build a life by design
🏆600+ supported via NeuroCheck & Healing Haven
👇🏻DM “Transform” to see how I can serve you

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

This is for every parent who’s had to write a version of this letter, and every teacher who’s received one.

My kid is Autistic and ADHD, and the version their teacher sees every day looks nothing like what happens once they get home. Holding it together all day costs something. This reel is about naming that cost, and asking for a little grace on the other side of it.

Drop a ❤️ if you know exactly what this is like.

To all the other parents navigating this: I see you, and you are not alone.

And to the teachers who receive these emails, letters, and hallway conversations: thank you for truly listening and trying to understand. You have no idea how much we need that.

If you’re a parent or a teacher who thinks something might be going on with one of your kiddos, NeuroCheck is here to support you. Comment NEUROCHECK or grab it from the link in my bio. by @drcolleencira

77k

2k

2 months ago

306

18

16 days ago

There are a lot of new faces here, so I’m taking a minute to re-introduce myself.

I’m Dr. Colleen Cira, an AuDHD Psychologist and Mom who helps you see, support, and celebrate every kind of mind.

Swipe to meet me, my family and what I believe.

Now I want to meet you! Tell me something funny, cool, or quirky about yourself in the comments 👇🏻 I’m so happy you’re here! by @drcolleencira

188

19

20 days ago

“He was having a hard day.”

“She did not mean it.”

“They have a lot going on.”

If you are an ADHD and/or Autistic woman who cares too much, you have likely said every one of those. And understood every time.

I call it the Empathy Tax. It is what you pay when understanding why someone hurt you becomes the reason you let them.

Many of us were told we were too much. Then we were taught that being nice, kind, and nurturing is our whole job. Together, those two lessons teach us to shrink, serve, and excuse.

Understanding is not the same as accepting. You are allowed to know why they did it and still say, “That is not okay with me.”

Save this for the next time you hear yourself making an excuse. Send it to a friend who needs the reminder.

Which excuse do you make most often?

Wondering if ADHD, autism, or both explains why you feel so much? Comment NEUROCHECK.

Already know it is part of your story and you want help with boundaries? Comment HAVEN. by @drcolleencira

187

31

2 days ago

“Sometimes it feels like he does not care about me at all. But I know he loves me.”

If you have said something like this about your partner, you are not the only one.

The shutdown during big emotions. The need for things to go a certain way. The silence when you cry. Attachment and trauma are worth exploring. Neurotype belongs on the list too.

Neurotype is how your brain is wired. Autism and ADHD are two examples.

Save this for the next time you feel unseen by someone you love. Send it to a friend who has said these words.

Does this resonate? Let me know 👇🏻

Wondering if you or your partner has ADHD, Autism, or both? Comment NEUROCHECK and I will send you the link. by @drcolleencira

101

18

4 days ago

F*ck you @shanemgillis

Hey girlies who wear exercise tights and shorts when they work out - won’t you join me in calling out Shane Gillis, and his sexist misogynistic bullsh*t?

Where my other gym girlies at?? Let em know 👇🏻 by @drcolleencira

442

127

5 days ago

Packing lunch every morning. Saying yes to the Lego info dump while you are tired. Breathing through a flat face because you know what it means.

These are just a few of the ways that my Autistic family says I love you ❤️

Love has no single script. Many of us spend years unlearning the version we were taught, then learn to trust what works for our people.

What does love look like for you and your family? Let me know! 👇🏻

Save this for the days you need a reminder. The way your family expresses love is perfect as it is.

Hi, my name is Colleen and I’m a psychologist, mom, and lover of all things mental health. On my page, I hope you see, support, and celebrate every kind of mind. I share what autistic love looks like at home. If any of that resonates, let’s be friends. by @drcolleencira

488

25

5 days ago

Which slide hit hardest for you?

Tears over nothing. Rage that shows up fast. Fatigue by 3 PM. Brain fog that scares you. Forgetting things you should never forget.

Research shows women with ADHD and autistic women report more severe symptoms in perimenopause. Nobody has studied both together. This is what it looks like in me.

Wondering if ADHD, Autism, or both are part of your story? Comment NEUROCHECK and I will send you the link.

Sudden symptoms need emergency care. Ongoing ones deserve a doctor.

Hi, my name is Colleen and I’m a psychologist, mom, and lover of all things mental health. On my page, I hope you see, support, and celebrate every kind of mind. I share the parts of midlife nobody warned me about. If any of that resonates, let’s be friends. by @drcolleencira

229

88

6 days ago

Here’s what’s on our menu for the game today: buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks from @smaller_sam.pcos and a pickle cottage cheese dip from @lindseyisham. Thank you both for the recipes!

Great for ADHD and autistic families who love their snackies but need their protein.

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks by @smaller_sam.pcos
Makes 8. About 180 calories and 20g protein each, per the creator.
• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 8 Happy Farm’s Light Cheese Sticks
• 60g crushed WILDE buffalo chicken chips
• 1/4 cup Primal Kitchen Buffalo sauce
Air fry at 400° for 10 minutes.

Pickle Cottage Cheese Dip by @lindseyisham
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup pickles
3/4 cup cottage cheese
1 tbsp ranch seasoning

Blend 1/4 cottage cheese with pickles. Once blended well, stir into the rest of the cottage cheese with the ranch seasoning. Refrigerate and then enjoy! by @drcolleencira

10

2

8 days ago

Your child is not broken. Whether it is ADHD, autism, or you have no answers yet, you are not failing.

Healing Haven is a community for parents of neurodivergent kids. $59 a month includes:

• Live coaching every Wednesday, 12 to 1 PM CT (four hours a month)
• Circles of support every other Monday and Friday, 12:30 to 1 PM CT (two hours a month)
• An online community of parents in your position
• Regular presentations

The best way to use Healing Haven is to join us live.

Comment HAVEN and I will send you the link. by @drcolleencira

46

10

9 days ago

Five things I’d only say after a margarita.

I’m saying what I would say if I did not have to worry about hurting your feelings, because I want your life to change.

Curious about your neurotype or your child’s, or newly diagnosed? Comment NEUROCHECK. Join before Monday, Oct 12 for the launch cohort.

Already know your neurotype and need help changing your life? Comment HAVEN. by @drcolleencira

92

28

10 days ago

Whether you are Autistic, love someone who is, stand with the autistic community or are just a decent fucking person, watch this to learn what the current administration has to say about Autistic people like my children and I.

Sources are pinned in the comments. Check them yourself.

Autistic people deserve to be spoken about with respect.

Send this to someone who needs to see it before the midterms. And if you stand in solidarity with the autistic community, comment ♾️ below.

And if you love my shirt, check out @godaintpettybutiam! by @drcolleencira

838

121

13 days ago