Bethradulski

09/27/2026

09/25/2026

My PhD found that many neurodivergent people sacrifice their own comfort in order to sustain social relationships and avoid isolation and ostracization.For many of us, avoiding being cut off socially means learning to self-abandon.We ignore our own wants, needs, and comfort to align with neurotypical culture and support the comfort of other people.My PhD explored countless studies showing that neurodivergent people often struggle to develop a sense of identity that isn’t tied to other people’s approval.This can make it difficult to form healthy relationships with ourselves and others.Unmasking is really the process of coming to know, understand, and develop our own internal emotional architecture—learning our inner engineering in neurodiversity-affirming ways. Using this framework, I’ve never had healthier relationships with myself and others What has this process looked like for you? Let me know in the comments.

09/25/2026

Many neurodivergent people develop their sense of identity around what is expected of them within neurotypical social and cultural norms.For many people, this looks like adopting a personality or character traits borrowed from neurotypical people: it can look like anything from burning out trying to meet the expectations placed on us by family, teachers, bosses; to adopting the personas of socially successful characters in popular culture, movies, or TV shows.When we focus on carrying out these scripts in our day-to-day lives, we learn not to act in alignment with what our bodies are feeling, and instead stick to the script. We know that otherwise we risk ostracism. Research shows that neurodivergent people often suppress significant physical discomfort, both emotional and bodily, to focus instead on masking and camouflaging effectively.When we begin to unmask, we uncover major parts of our identity that were long suppressed. We reconnect with our bodies and realize how much strain we’ve been under and for how long. We connect with our neurodivergent community and realize how lonely we’ve been for so long. We see ourselves, and allow others to truly see us, for the first time since masking began in childhood.For many of us, it’s like taking a deep breath in and realizing how long we’d been starving for air. It’s often the first time we truly ask ourselves: what would it feel like if I just let myself exist as *me*? All of me? And is there a place where that person can genuinely belong? Breathe freely? It’s amazing what your body will tell you, and how much better it will feel, if you simply listen to what it wants.What has unmasking been like for you, and how has it shaped your sense of identity? Let me know in the comments.

09/24/2026

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09/23/2026

Executive functioning is like your brain’s personal assistant. It helps us understand how to plan, organize, take steps, and reach goals in a timely and orderly fashion.With the way that society is organized around a 9-to-5 workday, for so many people, a morning routine is make or break. It’s an area that I’ve always really struggled with. As my parents put it when I was growing up, I find it hard to understand all the pieces of the getting ready puzzle.If little things are out of place or go wrong, or happen in the wrong order, I lose track and I get overwhelmed and I forget important things. This means it’s really important for me to have structure and routine.Lately, I’ve been finding that executive functioning stations have been absolutely life-changing. I create various zones where all the pieces of the getting ready puzzle can be carried out. I know that there’s a clear flow and structure every morning.Because I can often forget to do things, it’s important to me that everything is visible in front of me, which acts as a cue to remember. For example, at my coffee station, I know that if I leave the dishwasher open the night before, as soon as I walk in, I’ll remember that when the kettle is boiling, I’m supposed to unload the dishwasher.Equally, I won’t let myself leave that corner of the kitchen until the dishwasher is completely unloaded. Because if I find myself walking over to the garbage bin, for example, my mind will take over and decide that the garbage needs to be taken out to the garage immediately, and before you know it, I’ve forgotten what I’m supposed to be doing and I decide to take the dog for a walk if I’m already going outside, and my entire morning routine is thrown off.Having these zones and stations with clear steps, procedures, and visual cues has been incredibly helpful.What do you think? Would you try this? Let me know in the comments, as well as sharing your own executive functioning hacks.

09/23/2026

My PhD theorized a neuroarchal social structure with six key pillars. One of these was neurotypical workplace relations. Another was neurotypical culture.Many neurodivergent people face immense pressure to mask and camouflage in the workplace, which can lead to anxiety, burnout, and significant mental health challenges. My PhD argued that masking and camouflaging are driven largely by neurotypical culture and privilege, and that this often manifests in workplaces.We know that neurotypical people tend to experience better employment rates and inclusion outcomes at work. One of the reasons for this could be neurotypical privilege. Workplaces are built around the norms, needs, and preferred behaviors of the neurotypical social group. Neurodivergent people are often misunderstood, perceived as incapable, and socially and professionally excluded.Have you ever had this experience at work? If so, what did it look like? What were the subtle ways that neurotypical privilege created worse well-being and inclusion outcomes for you?Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to share with a neurodivergent friend. You can read my PhD for free at the link in my bio.

09/22/2026

NÃO ESPERE TER PARA COMEÇAR À AGRADECER!

09/22/2026

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