The Hidden Toll of Masking | The Neurodiverse Lens Podcast (Episode 11)

Masking is often seen as a survival skill for neurodiverse individuals — but the emotional and mental toll can be heavy. In this episode, Carolyn and Jordan unpack what masking really is, why it starts so young, and how it impacts identity, relationships, and the ability to feel safe as your authentic self.

Whether you’re neurodiverse or an ally, this conversation highlights why understanding masking is key to reducing burnout and building environments where people truly belong.

Sponsored by Artemis Assessment & Treatment CentreFeaturing Fidgety Squirrel, their ADHD-friendly children’s mascot!

👇 Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & episode intro
00:28 – What is masking?
05:59 – Gendered masking & social expectations
09:05 – The hidden weight of “not fitting in”
16:26 – Burnout, shame & mental health impacts
22:00 – How allies can create safe spaces
26:30 – Building a world where masking isn’t required
29:07 – Final reflections & learn more at diverselearners.ca

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Learn more about the Centre for Diverse Learners: diverselearners.ca

#NeurodiverseLens #Masking #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #MentalHealth #Unmasking #InclusiveCommunities #CentreForDiverseLearners

In this episode, we chat with author and creative director Sarah Furlong, whose children’s book Every Brain is Beautiful introduces neurodiversity to young readers in a way that celebrates differences and fosters empathy.
We explore early education, representation in storytelling, and how families and educators can start meaningful conversations about neurodiversity.

00:00 — Welcome to The Neurodiverse Lens
00:30 — Meet Sarah Furlong: author, parent, and creative director
01:15 — The story behind Every Brain is Beautiful
02:50 — Why it’s important to introduce neurodiversity early
04:00 — Using animals and soft colours to ensure inclusion
05:30 — Feedback from parents and educators
06:00 — Expanding the Every Brain series: ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia & more
07:00 — Sarah’s new book Mission Pancake and its fun approach to ADHD
08:00 — Introducing StoryA: personalized storytelling through the mail
09:30 — How personalized letters encourage kids to read
10:40 — Empowering kids through accurate labels and diagnosis
12:00 — Teaching self-advocacy at home and in classrooms
13:00 — How teachers and parents can use these books to start conversations
14:30 — Building inclusive environments through early understanding
15:30 — What’s next for Sarah: expanding Every Brain and launching StoryA
16:00 — The power of inclusive storytelling in shaping communities
18:00 — Where to find Sarah’s books and StoryA
19:40 — Closing thoughts and CDL resources

⏱️ Timestamps

Social Emotional Learning | The Neurodiverse Lens Podcast
Guest: Olivia Fong, Social Emotional Program Manager at the Centre for Diverse Learners
Host: Jordan Handley-Passalacqua, Communications Manager

Explore how social emotional learning (SEL) supports neurodiverse students—and how parents, educators, and communities can help build confidence, resilience, and connection.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to The Neurodiverse Lens & Olivia Fong
01:00 – Olivia’s journey from volunteer to program manager
02:30 – Why SEL matters for neurodiverse learners
04:15 – What SEL looks like in practice (yes, it can be messy!)
06:00 – Common SEL challenges neurodiverse students face
08:00 – Inside the Friendships & Relationships program
10:00 – Executive Functioning & Social Skills: real-life impact
11:30 – Homework Health: free tutoring & mental health support
13:00 – Friendship Club PA Day program announcement
14:45 – Student success stories that stick with us
17:00 – How $42/month can take a child off our waitlist
19:00 – Practical takeaways for parents
21:00 – SEL strategies educators can use
23:00 – Free resource calls for Halton families
24:45 – Olivia’s hopes for the future of SEL at CDL
26:00 – Final thoughts and how to support our work

🔗 Learn more or donate: https://diverselearners.ca
📩 Contact us: info@diverselearners.ca
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