From Invisible to Invincible: A NeuroTypical’s Journey in NeuroDivergent Families

Seventy-five years. That’s how long it has taken me to step out of the shadows of undiagnosed autism in my family and recognize the light within myself. My life has been shaped by relationships in NeuroDivergent families—navigating the complexities of living with a mother, ex-husband, and oldest daughter, all NeuroDiverse. For most of my life, I felt invisible in these relationships. My voice, my needs, my very existence often seemed to disappear in the transactional nature of our interactions.

For years, I thought the problem was me. If only I were more patient, more understanding, or better at connecting, maybe they would see me. But I’ve come to realize that the answer wasn’t about being seen through their lens—it was about finding myself.

The transformation wasn’t easy. There was no one to guide me through the unique struggles of being a NeuroTypical in NeuroDivergent families. The suffering goes both ways—both NeuroTypical and NeuroDiverse family members face challenges. For me, it was the constant yearning for emotional connection, and for my loved ones, it was the difficulty of bridging a gap they didn’t always perceive. But while I felt invisible, they often felt misunderstood. Their transactional way of connecting left me longing for a deeper emotional bond they weren’t equipped to give.

And yet, here I am—standing invincible. Through the pain, I’ve built a legacy of understanding, love, and advocacy. I’ve written blogs, books, and recorded podcasts. I’ve shared my story through YouTube videos, created online courses, and founded international support groups. From silence, I’ve raised a voice for NeuroTypicals who feel lost and unheard in NeuroDivergent families.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce The Institute for Radiant Empathy, a vision for a research and healing center dedicated to supporting NeuroTypical individuals in NeuroDivergent families. This initiative is still in its visionary stage, which means there’s room for your help and your imprint. Whether through insights, collaboration, or simply lending your support, your contributions can shape this initiative into something transformative.

A Seasonal Reflection: The Eighth Light of Chanukah

As I write this, we celebrate the eighth night of Chanukah, the night that symbolizes the Light of Courage. Courage is at the heart of this holiday, just as it is central to our journeys in NeuroDivergent families. Judah Maccabee, the Hero of Chanukah, stood firm in the face of overwhelming odds, guided by the words Moses spoke to Joshua: ‘Be strong and of good courage.‘

Let this light inspire us all. Whether you’re navigating personal struggles, advocating for justice, or simply seeking strength in uncertain times, let truth and justice be your armor, and fear not. May the Light of Courage guide us, not just during this season, but throughout our lives.

Through this effort, I aim to help NeuroTypicals move from feeling invisible to invincible, just as I have. Together, we can transform pain into purpose, foster mutual understanding, and cultivate Radiant Empathy in NeuroDivergent families.

If this vision resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Let’s collaborate to create something extraordinary—together, we can rewrite the story for NeuroDivergent families everywhere.
With love, courage, and invincibility,
Dr. Kathy Marshack