Author: Joy Plote
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Are Codas Neurodivergent? A Deep Dive into the Coda Brain
Abstract Children of Deaf Adults (Codas) grow up navigating two linguistic and cultural worlds, acquiring both a signed and spoken language. This bimodal bilingualism presents unique cognitive, sensory, and executive function adaptations that align with contemporary understandings of neurodivergence. This article examines the intersection of bimodal bilingualism, high intelligence, and neurodivergence in Codas, arguing that…
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Dysfunctional Family Rules: Coda Edition
Codas may encounter variations of the archetypal dysfunctional family rules, shaped by their dual roles as both children and language brokers or mediators within their families. Coda Roles in Families Codas often take on exaggerated versions of these roles due to their responsibilities within their families. Here’s how these roles might manifest uniquely for Codas:…
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The Silent Scars of Small “t” Traumas: Understanding Their Impact and Path to Healing
When we think of trauma, our minds often go to dramatic, life-altering events—the “big T” traumas like natural disasters, abuse, or violence. Yet, there’s another kind of trauma that often flies under the radar but can leave equally deep emotional scars: the small “t” traumas. These are the subtle, repeated experiences that shape our emotional…
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Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): What It Is and How to Manage It
If you’ve ever felt your heart sink after a slight criticism or found yourself spiraling over a seemingly minor rejection, you may be experiencing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). For many adults with ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence, RSD is a hidden but deeply impactful challenge, affecting relationships, work, and overall mental well-being. Although not…
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Understanding Trauma: What It Is, How We Measure It, and Its Impact
Trauma is an experience that can shake the very foundation of a person’s sense of safety, stability, and well-being. It’s not just about what happens to someone but how their body, mind, and emotions respond to it. Trauma can manifest from a single distressing event or unfold over time through prolonged exposure to difficult circumstances.…
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Resilience and the Coda Experience: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth
Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity, adapt to challenges, and overcome setbacks. For Children of Deaf Adults (Codas), resilience often becomes a defining characteristic, as many of us navigate the unique dynamics of growing up in families that bridge the Deaf and hearing worlds. Resilience isn’t something we’re born with—it’s a skill…
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Receptive Bilingualism: A Different Kind of Understanding
Language is at the heart of identity, connection, and culture. For many in the Deaf community and Codas (Children of Deaf Adults), bilingualism is a natural part of life, often encompassing a signed language like American Sign Language (ASL) and a spoken or written language such as English. However, not all individuals who grow up…
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Parentification: The Hidden Struggle for Codas
In the ideal family dynamic, parents nurture and children thrive. However, for many Children of Deaf Adults (Codas), the family structure takes on a different shape. Codas often find themselves navigating adult responsibilities at an early age, a phenomenon known as parentification. While some may adapt to these roles temporarily, others face long-term emotional and…
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Understanding Suicidality in the Deaf Community and Codas: A Call for Research and Action
Suicide is a public health crisis that affects all communities, but Deaf individuals and Children of Deaf Adults (Codas) face unique challenges that elevate their risks. Despite these vulnerabilities, significant gaps exist in our understanding of suicidality within these populations. This blog explores what we know, what remains to be uncovered, and why we urgently…
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The Insidiousness of Language Deprivation
IntroductionLanguage deprivation, the lack of accessible language for Deaf individuals, is not just a failure to provide a critical tool for communication; it has profound impacts on a person’s cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Denying a Deaf child access to a full language, whether signed or spoken, is essentially denying them the opportunity to develop…
the Coda Counselor 