"Masking is a form of trying to fit into social norms—pretending to be someone you're not. It comes at a cost: burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges."

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob welcomes back advocate Carly Considine for another insightful conversation about masking within the neurodivergent community. Carly shares her experiences as an autistic adult and mother of two autistic daughters, offering a candid perspective on how masking can lead to burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges.

Together, they discuss where masking is most prevalent, why some individuals find it helpful, and the importance of creating safe spaces where people feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Carly also shares her thoughts on navigating social expectations and highlights the value of listening to neurodivergent voices when fostering inclusion and acceptance.

Key Takeaways:

• Teach children about inclusion from an early age.
• Listen to the neurodivergent community and act inclusively.
• Some individuals may find masking helpful—it’s a personal choice.
• Recognise that masking can lead to burnout due to the pressure to conform.

"We should be allowed to be our authentic selves without feeling the need to fit in to meet societal expectations."

About Carly:
Carly Considine is an autistic adult from England, diagnosed in 2015, and a mother to two autistic daughters diagnosed in 2019. Carly previously volunteered for the National Autistic Society, co-running the South Wiltshire Branch. She now advocates online, sharing her insights on female autism traits and comorbid conditions like ADHD. Carly is currently pursuing qualifications to further her advocacy work and support the neurodivergent community.

Learn more about _Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and _X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

"We all should be thoughtful of each other. Whether we see something or don't see something, we should all be treated with respect, politeness, and a willingness to learn and grow from whomever we’re interacting with."

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Antonio Myers, a dedicated disability advocate and host of the TonioTimeDaily podcast. Antonio shares his inspiring journey as an autistic adult, highlighting his academic success, his passion for advocacy, and his commitment to fostering respect and positivity.

The conversation covers the importance of self-love, understanding different learning styles, and navigating challenges with confidence. Antonio also discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the neurodivergent community and emphasises the power of empathy and education in debunking myths and changing narratives around neurodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Research autism-friendly networks and support systems.
• Use positive affirmations to build self-confidence.
• Educate those around you calmly and with empathy.

"Choose to refer to yourself with positive affirmations—it sets the tone for how you approach the world."

About Antonio:
Antonio Myers is a passionate disability advocate and host of the TonioTimeDaily podcast. Overcoming early life challenges due to Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Antonio excelled academically, becoming a valedictorian and earning a degree in Human Services. His advocacy includes work with the DC State Rehabilitation Council and The Brewer Foundation. Antonio’s podcast shares insights on societal issues and promotes human values, available on major platforms like Spotify.

TonioTimeDaily Podcast on Spotify

Learn more about _Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and _X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

“Therapy isn’t about fixing someone; it’s about empowering them to recognise their own strengths.”

In this debut episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob, founder of Achievable Journey, shares her inspiring story and vision for the podcast. Joined by her friend Jude, Asma discusses her journey as a SEND Holistic Therapist, working with children and adults with special educational needs.

Asma reveals why she started this podcast: to create a safe space where the SEND and neurodivergent community can feel heard and validated. She explains how she empowers her clients by focusing on their unique strengths and building trust-based relationships, using techniques like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), solution-based psychotherapy, and emotional freedom techniques.

In this episode, you'll learn about the core values behind Your Voice Matters and get a sneak peek into the powerful conversations to come.

Key Takeaways:

· Every individual is unique, and therapy should meet people where they are.

· Building a community is key to reducing isolation and fostering connection.

· “When you’ve seen one autistic person, you’ve seen one autistic person.”

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.