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

🔔 New episodes every two weeks — subscribe to join the conversation.

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
📱 Follow us on social media: @diverselearners

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month—and we’re busting myths, sharing real stories from our programs, and talking about what actually helps kids thrive. Carolyn and Jordan unpack what an LD is (and isn’t), why direct, evidence-based instruction matters, and how strengths like creative problem-solving and resilience show up when students get the right supports.

We spotlight CDL programs that take a whole-child approach:
• Leaps in Literacy (systematic, phonics-based small groups)
• Mastering Mathematics (multi-sensory, foundations-first)
• Executive Functioning (planning, organizing, study skills)
• Social Skills: Friendships & Relationships (communication, regulation)
• Homework Health (drop-in homework help + on-site youth mental health workers)
• Friendship Club (facilitated connection and belonging)

You’ll also hear an update for Halton and Hamilton families: free Parent Support Appointments are now available to both regions—book at diverselearners.ca (look for “Parent Support Appointment”).

If this conversation moves you, the most impactful way to help is to become a monthly donor.
$42/month (~$1.40/day) takes a child off our waitlist and into a program with trained educators. Donate at diverselearners.ca/donate.

Want to get involved in other ways?
Volunteer or share this episode to boost our reach: diverselearners.ca/get-involved • info@diverselearners.ca

Content note: brief mention of a family fleeing domestic violence.

More about the Centre for Diverse Learners: diverselearners.ca

The Neurodiverse Lens – Episode 7

Disclosing Neurodiversity in the Workplace: When, Why & How

Disclosure is a deeply personal decision. In this episode, Carolyn and Jordan unpack the complexities of sharing your neurodiversity at work—why you might disclose, what the risks are, and how to navigate accommodations while protecting your mental health. From personal stories to practical advice, this conversation explores the balance between advocacy and self-preservation in workplaces that are not always neurodiverse-friendly.

🔎 Whether you’ve disclosed, are considering it, or prefer to keep it private, this episode provides strategies, support, and reassurance that every choice is valid.

• 00:01 – Welcome & introduction

• 00:27 – What does disclosure mean in the workplace?

• 02:02 – The impact of stigma and unconscious bias

• 03:41 – Carolyn’s personal disclosure journey

• 05:42 – Accommodations that could have helped earlier

• 06:57 – Types of disclosure: HR vs. full workplace openness

• 08:46 – Positive and negative stories from disclosing

• 10:59 – Risks: promotions, unconscious bias, and legal rights

• 13:09 – Navigating workplace disclosure step by step

• 15:10 – How disclosure can build understanding (LASIK story)

• 17:19 – Self-advocacy and small workplace accommodations

• 19:55 – Handling toxic workplaces and self-accommodations

• 23:07 – First steps if you’re considering disclosure

• 25:00 – CDL training and workplace supports

Welcome back to The Neurodiverse Lens, a CDL podcast where Carolyn and Jordan explore everyday challenges and solutions through a neurodiverse lens.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into executive functioning—what it is, why it matters, and how it shows up at home, in school, and during daily routines. We discuss how executive functioning impacts children (especially those with ADHD), what “paper amnesia” really means, and how to reduce conflict around transitions, homework, and chores.

🎧 Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply want to better understand executive functioning, this episode offers practical strategies, mindset shifts, and validation for everyone on the journey.

🧠 Learn more about our free programs and workshops at:
👉 https://www.diverselearners.ca

📅 Book a free Resource Call (Halton families):
👉https://diverselearners.ca/resource-facilitation/

📲 Follow us for more:
Instagram: @neurodiverselens
Facebook: Centre for Diverse Learners

⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to The Neurodiverse Lens
00:40 – What is Executive Functioning?
01:30 – The Hidden Impact on Daily Routines
02:30 – Planning, Prioritizing, and Working Memory
04:00 – Emotional Regulation & Meltdowns
05:00 – Real-Life Examples of Executive Dysfunction
06:30 – Executive Functioning & School Fatigue
08:00 – Signs Parents Might See at Home
09:30 – Transitions and Emotional Reactions
10:30 – Homework Stress vs. Ability
11:30 – Strategies: Visual Schedules & Prompts
13:00 – Paper Amnesia: A Real Challenge
14:30 – Building Autonomy with Gradual Support
16:00 – Parent Frustration & Real-Life Parenting
18:00 – Sibling Dynamics & Celebrating Small Wins
20:00 – Marriage, Understanding, and Neurodiversity
22:00 – Mindset Shift: It’s Not a Choice
23:00 – CDL Programs for Executive Functioning
24:00 – Free Support for Hamilton Families
24:30 – Closing Thoughts and How to Get Help

Summer break can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially for families with neurodiverse children. In this episode, Carolyn and Jordan from the Centre for Diverse Learners explore how to plan for smoother transitions, manage expectations, and care for both your child’s and your own mental health.

Whether it’s camp drop-off jitters, changing routines, or feeling pressure to create the “perfect summer,” this episode offers validation, encouragement, and practical tools to help families thrive.

Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & why summer can be tough for neurodiverse families01:20 – Tip #1: Don’t do a countdown to summer03:00 – Preparing for transitions (camp, travel, visits)06:00 – Talking with grandparents, relatives, and other caregivers09:30 – Visual schedules and planning for overwhelm13:00 – Co-regulation and calming strategies in public17:30 – Giving yourself permission to slow down20:30 – The myth of the “perfect summer”26:00 – CDL’s Friendship Club and how you can get involved28:30 – Final thoughts: Let go of guilt and embrace what works for your family

🌐 Learn more or register for summer programs at: diverselearners.ca
📞 Book a free resource call
💛 Consider donating to support programs like Friendship Club

🎙️ If you found this helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

Welcome to The Neurodiverse Lens, a CDL podcast hosted by Carolyn and Jordan. In this episode, we explore the relationship between neurodiversity and mental health, sharing personal experiences, research insights, and practical self-care strategies.Disclaimer: This episode reflects personal perspectives and experiences and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider.Time Stamps:0:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

1:25 Our Message

3:02 Neurodiversity and Depression

6:26 Fitting into a Neurotypical World

15:10 Children Might Not Have the Language

17:10 Neurodiversity Might NOT be a Superpower

23:20 Finding Support

31:00 Self Care

38:55 Resource Calls Call to ActionEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Neurodiverse Lens for more conversations that center and support neurodiverse individuals and families.🌐 Learn more about us: https://diverselearners.ca📧 Email Us: Media@diverselearners.ca Follow Us📸 Instagram: @neurodiverselens▶️ YouTube: @NeurodiverseLens🎵 TikTok: @neurodiverselens📘 Facebook: The Neurodiverse Lens🧵 Threads: @neurodiverselens🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts!#Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness #TheNeurodiverseLens #CentreForDiverseLearners #Podcast