About Maria

My life story

I was born in Venezuela. From an early age, I had an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive for knowledge of all kinds and a great passion for languages and cultures. 
I was a cheerful and observant child, I earned the nickname “little airplane” for my energetic behavior and incessant chatter. Despite my spontaneity and extroversion, I often felt different, as if others spoke a language I couldn’t fully grasp. This sense of uniqueness was accompanied by academic success and a voracious appetite for learning, so my childhood was filled with joy and exploration but on the other hand anxiety and stress were my constant companions, leading to bad quality sleep and persistent worry. I struggled to accept my differences, feeling the societal pressure on my shoulders

I often spent time at friends’ homes due to my parents’ demanding schedules. This early independence fostered resilience, though it also introduced feelings of intermittent affection. Over time, I realized they did their best and that they provided with treasures of unconditional love and education that equipped me well for life’s challenges. 

At 21, I embarked on a journey working aboard cruise ships, traversing the USA and Europe. I aspired to master six languages, with German being the final addition, a goal I am currently pursuing. I am an eternal explorer, this was reflected in my travels, from the USA, Europe, Brazil, Poland, and now German, that challenged my beliefs, expanded my comfort zone, and contributed significantly to my personal growth. This led me to travel and it has been a catalyst for profound transformations in my life. 

 

The Beginning 

Professionally, I initially earned a degree in International Business Administration. I always overdid things, working non-stop and pushing my body to its limits. I burned out, and I have had health issues since childhood, but the doctors didn’t know what was going on, and as I grew up, I carried on. With years of chronic stress and, a physical disability set in, and I embarked on a long journey with doctors, attending more than 100 appointments and weekly medical visits for three years without receiving a formal diagnosis for my various health issues. This journey led to five years of intensive scientific medical research, resulting in the diagnosis of my beautiful neurodivergent brain, as well as depression and an autoimmune illness.

 

It was a painful path. However, after embracing this, I rekindled my passion for art and singing. I stopped trying to fit into societal molds, and I started to balance my life and learn how to rest. This self-discovery prompted a career shift towards my true passion: self-knowledge, health, and service. I became a certified Qigong instructor and a Health coach specialized in Psychoneuroimmunology. This path has illuminated the profound connection between the mind and the body, transforming my life and preparing me to help others on their journeys towards integrative well-being.

The link between Neurodivergency and autoimmune diseases

In 2020, when I was hallucinating on the streets due to illness and fighting for my life in bed because I didn’t know what I had, an idea came to me and obsessed me: the idea that my chronic pain, insulin resistance, and fibromyalgia (which at the time were undiagnosed) had to do with attention deficit disorder (ADHD).


At that time, all I knew was that I had ADHD, and I knew that was the root of it all, so I became obsessed with the topic and began to research.
I read that Einstein was also neurodivergent (he most likely had an ADHD brain and autism), and I seized on that to survive and draw inspiration from his intelligence to get to the bottom of my problem. After all, these brains are characterized by being quite stubborn.


I established a pattern of observation, looking back at my childhood. I saw how my relatives also displayed autism or attention deficit disorder traits and had suffered from cancer, psoriasis, and other autoimmune diseases, such as the famous singer Selena Gomez, who is bipolar and has lupus. I saw how famous figures with high intelligence, like Stephen Hawking and Steve Jobs, might likely be neurodivergent or highly intelligent and suffered from autoimmune conditions. I came to my own conclusion that neurobiological variations and autoimmune diseases were connected.
For three years, I dedicated myself to reading scientific articles on medicine, psychology, and neuroscience, and then intensively for six months while taking a course in psychoneuroimmunology, until one day, I hit the nail on the head.


Studying the results of my gut microbiota test, I discovered the connection to an enzyme called DAO (Diamine Oxidase), which many neurodivergent individuals typically have low levels of, leading to histamine intolerance. That was the beginning of my healing (which I proved with a blood test). With that, I began a low-histamine diet, which would rid me of much of my chronic pain, along with many other lifestyle changes.
These facts proved my theory that neurodivergent people get sick more often, suffer from autoimmune or chronic diseases, and that I wasn’t making it up, since I told my doctors about it, and no one believed me.


Four years later, a few months later, I discovered this scientific study that is related to my suspicions. She talks about a hyper brain- hyper body theory. However, according to my observation and research, the fact that you are neurodivergent regardless of your IQ makes you more likely to have physiological issues. You can read the full article here:

High intelligence: A risk factor for psychological and physiological overexcitabilities – ScienceDirect

Feel like part of the tribe?

Being neurodivergent is not a defect, it’s part of humanity’s design. Neurodivergent people bring sensitivity, creativity, and resilience that help our species evolve and adapt. We are the out-of-the-box thinkers, the rebels, the visionaries who push society forward.

Sensitivity as an Evolutionary Strength

I was born blue, without breath, hypoxia. A doctor fought to revive me, and I survived. Although that could have been the cause of my ADHD brain, the truth is that it runs in my family, my mother, brother and other relatives have this brain type. After those observations, my struggles made sense: I wasn’t broken, just wired differently.

Through research and lived experience, I discovered that ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence are often linked with unique gut microbiomes, hyper-reactive nervous systems, and even conditions like histamine intolerance. What seems like suffering today may have once been an evolutionary advantage.

Think of African elephants: their extraordinary sense of smell helps them detect threats and ensure survival. Similarly, neurodivergent people are highly sensitive to hidden dangers, whether in food, health, or society, and often act as natural activists for change. 

One example nowadays is Temple Grandin, one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experiences with autism. She used her empathy towards animals and pattern recognition talent to revolutionize the cattle handling industry with her innovative designs and understanding of animal behavior. Her work led to significant improvements in livestock handling, making it easier and more humane for cattle. Grandin’s unique perspective, shaped by her autism, has allowed her to design systems that cater to the natural behaviors of cattle, such as curved pathways that reduce stress and improve handling. Her contributions have not only improved the lives of cattle but also highlighted the importance of valuing diverse perspectives in animal welfare and autism advocacy.

Neurodivergence at Work

Despite the strengths of these individuals, there is still a lot of work to be done to reduce the stigma surrounding neurodivergence and promote neurodiversity. In modern workplaces, people with neurodivergent traits are still often labelled as distracted, restless or disruptive. However, scientific research shows the opposite:

  • Complementary Cognition Theory (University of Cambridge): Humans evolved by dividing cognitive strengths, some explored, others optimized. This balance made groups more innovative and resilient.

  • Genetic evidence: Traits linked to creativity, abstract thinking, and problem-solving have been shaped by natural selection, making societies more adaptable.

  • Modern research: Neurodiverse teams are more creative and productive, driving innovation and resilience.
    In other words: diversity of minds is as vital as biodiversity in nature.

Turning Sensitivity Into Strength

At COM, we transform these insights into action. Whether through corporate programs or private sessions, we connect science with lived experience to help people reframe pain and struggle into self-care, resilience, and innovation.

Our work shows that neurodivergence is not something to be “fixed,” but a natural variation to be understood, nurtured, and celebrated.

What if society stopped trying to “normalize” neurodivergent thinking, and instead leveraged it?

That ‘s our mission:

🔹 For organizations: We help leaders understand neurodivergent strengths, design inclusive environments, and move from awareness to action, boosting well-being, innovation, and retention.

🔹 For individuals: We provide one-to-one ADHD-focused coaching and PNI sessions to help you reconnect with your health, life style, manage stress, and thrive with confidence.

Do you need guidance on how to support your employees, yourself or a loved one?

If you´d recognize yourself, or your employees, as part of this incredible neurodivergent tribe, something shifts: belonging becomes purpose. By embracing natural cognitive diversity, you help build a world where sensitivity is valued, not suppressed, and where innovation and well-being can thrive together. If our mission resonates with you, we invite you to take the next step: support this movement and help us create healthier, more inclusive workplaces and communities for all minds. 

Help us expand this movement
Support neurodiversity, health, and inclusion at work

How to Support Corner of Movement

There are many ways to support our mission of building healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable workplaces. No matter how you choose to contribute, every step helps us grow this movement.

One-time support

For you: Show your commitment to healthier workplaces with a one-time contribution to Corner of Movement.
For others: Instead of giving gifts, invite your colleagues, friends, or family to support a cause that creates lasting change.

Ongoing support

With regular contributions, you help us plan ahead and create sustainable impact. Reliable support enables us to bring innovative programs on neurodiversity, well-being, and health to more people. 

Start your own campaign

Celebrate your birthday, team event, or a company milestone with purpose! Start a fundraising campaign with your network and raise awareness for healthier, more inclusive workplaces. We’ll guide you on how to set it up easily and effectively.

Account holder: Corner of Movement UG

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Note: Corner of Movement UG is a social impact company (not a non-profit). Contributions are treated as voluntary support payments and are not tax-deductible. Every contribution goes directly into expanding our programs and building healthier, more resilient teams.

THANK YOU

With your support we are spreading the movement of health and inclusion awareness