Articles By: Michael Holker MSW, RSW

Michael Holker, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker who practices neurodiversity-affirming therapy and is the founder of Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting — a virtual practice based in Toronto that serves adults across Ontario. He works with late-diagnosed and self-identified autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and gifted (2e) adults, bringing lived experience of neurodivergence to a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. He practises alongside Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW, whose focus is anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Book a free 20-minute meet-and-greet.

Warm illustration of a person in deep focus, representing hyperfocus ADHD, flow states, time blindness, creativity, and sustainable neurodivergent intensity.

May 29, 2026, 4:24:24 PM

Hyperfocus in ADHD: Superpower, Struggle and What Helps

Hyperfocus in ADHD is often framed as a gift: the ability to lock in, tune everything else out, and...

Two people sitting together in a warm, reflective illustration about ADHD, autism, relationships, emotional safety, and neurodivergent connection.

May 15, 2026, 9:00:01 AM

ADHD, Autism and Relationships: Why Connection Feels Hard

ADHD and autism can make relationships feel difficult, not because of a lack of care, but because...

Adult building a more supportive life around executive dysfunction in ADHD adults, autistic burnout, sensory overload, and adult ADHD time management challenges.

Apr 24, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

How to Build a Life that Offers Executive Functioning Support

By Michael Holker, MSW, RSW · Updated October 2026

Is there a mismatch between your environment and...

Woman rediscovering herself after being diagnosed with autism as an adult, moving from masking and self-doubt toward clarity, relief, and identity.

Apr 10, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult: Rediscovering Your Identity After a Late Diagnosis

By Michael Holker, MSW, RSW · Updated October 2026

Identity after a late autism diagnosis means...

Mar 27, 2026, 10:00:00 AM

How to Choose a Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist in Ontario

By Michael Holker, MSW, RSW | Published July 2026 | Updated October 2026

For the high-achieving...

Illustration of overwhelmed gifted adult with tangled thoughts representing why traditional goal-oriented therapy fails 2e adults seeking therapy for gifted adults in Ontario.

Mar 13, 2026, 10:00:00 AM

Why Goal-Oriented Therapy Often Misses the Gifted and 2e Adult

Gifted and twice-exceptional adults often need a different kind of therapy, one built on a real...

Visual metaphor for unmasking autism, depicting autistic masking, internal exhaustion, and autistic burnout symptoms as an individual removes a performed identity to reveal their authentic self.

Feb 27, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

High-Masking Autism and the Hidden Cost of Autistic Masking

Autistic masking means suppressing or compensating for autistic traits, such as hiding stims,...

Conceptual illustration asking “Is giftedness neurodivergent?” depicting the twice exceptional (2e) brain, giftedness with ADHD and autism, and the paradox of brilliance alongside burnout.

Feb 13, 2026, 4:00:00 PM

Is Giftedness Neurodivergent? Understanding the 2e Paradox

Key Takeways

Is giftedness neurodivergent? Many clinicians now describe giftedness as a form of...

Person contemplating what is AuDHD? ADHD Symptoms and autism overlap

Jan 30, 2026, 11:00:00 AM

What Is AuDHD? Understanding the ADHD Autism Overlap

AuDHD is a community term for being both autistic and ADHD. It is not a separate clinical diagnosis...

Man struggling with ADHD symptoms sitting overwhelmed, contrasted with adult man receiving therapy support for undiagnosed ADHD symptoms in men during counselling session.

Jan 16, 2026, 1:27:04 PM

ADHD Symptoms in Men & Why So Many Go Undiagnosed

By Michael Holker, MSW, RSW · Updated October 2026

ADHD in adult men often looks less like...

Person reacting intensely to perceived rejection, representing RSD symptoms in ADHD and autistic adults.

Dec 23, 2025, 3:27:52 PM

What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? Signs in ADHD and Autism

A message goes unanswered for an hour. A colleague’s reply feels a little short. Someone’s face...

Illustration of a tired adult resting on a sofa under a blanket, with water and headphones nearby.

Dec 12, 2025, 10:00:00 AM

Autistic Burnout in Adults: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How Recovery Begins

What Is Autistic Burnout?

Autistic burnout is a state of deep physical, mental and emotional...

Welcome,

We’re glad you’re here. Dive into articles, tools, and insights designed to help you better understand yourself, grow, and feel great. Whether you’re exploring neurodivergence, seeking tips for emotional balance, or simply learning more, we hope these resources support your journey.

Anecdotes and Confidentiality

Personal anecdotes bring ideas to life and foster connection. The identifying details have been changed to ensure confidentiality. These stories illustrate concepts, acknowledging that everyone’s journey is unique.

Disclaimer

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. I am a registered social worker offering psychotherapy services to Ontario residents. For a complimentary Meet & Greet or more on my practice, reach out!

We hope these resources help you pursue a more authentic, meaningful life.