What Happens When You Don’t Have to Mask So Hard?

About this episode

David and Isabelle discuss the importance of community and belonging for neurodivergent individuals with guest Avari Brocker.

This week, David and Isabelle continue their conversation with Avari Brocker — Neurodiversity Alliance student advocate and founder of LearningCurb.org . Avari talks about what it felt like to go from being on her own little island to being surrounded by other neurodivergent people, and realizing (maybe for the first time) that it was actually safe to be fully herself. The group also gets into the difference between being around people who tolerate you vs. being around people who just get it . If you’ve ever felt exhausted from constantly managing yourself around other people or if you’ve ever needed a reminder that belonging is not extra, it’s foundational… this one’s for you! Here's what's coming your way: Why being around like-minded neurodivergent people can feel like coming home A clear breakdown of what high masking feels like from the inside Why shared experience can make it easier to stop overexplaining and start relaxing How community can help you stand up for yourself in ways you might not otherwise The story behind Learning Curb and why its whole mission is rooted in access A reminder that the things you needed most can become the very things you build for someone else…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Kessler, Isabelle Richards

Guest: Avari Brocker

Topics covered

• neurodiversity
• belonging
• community
• high masking
• self-acceptance

Keywords

• neurodivergent
• masking
• community support
• self-advocacy
• mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Neurodiversity Alliance, LearningCurb.org

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