how to live unmasked
I created Unmasked because I want to share what I’ve learned about autism through my own life and through being Joshua’s mum. I want to help people understand how deeply autism can shape our experiences, relationships, work and sense of who we are.
Being diagnosed at 47 brought answers to questions I’d carried for as long as I can remember. Why did I feel different? Why did everyday things sometimes take so much out of me? Why did I feel I had to work so hard to fit in? Alongside the relief, there is grief. I think about the younger me who needed understanding, the years spent masking, and how different life might have felt if I’d known sooner. I’m still making sense of that.
Through these workshops, I want to bring my experience and knowledge into honest conversations with neurodivergent adults, parents, families and professionals. We’ll explore masking, communicating our needs, and creating homes and workplaces where people feel understood and supported. My hope is that sharing what I’ve learned helps someone else feel less alone, or helps them understand a person they love.
All workshops are available face-to-face or live online, with space to learn, connect and ask the questions that matter to you.
9 flagship workshops to support your neurodiverse life
A practical introduction to masking, identity and neurodivergence. Explore why we mask, how masking can become automatic, and what it can feel like to rediscover yourself after years of trying to fit expectations.
We explore: recognising your masking behaviours, understanding your needs and limits, separating your authentic self from learned expectations, communicating what you need, and taking small, safe steps towards living more authentically.
For parents and carers who want to understand the behaviour underneath the behaviour. This workshop shifts the conversation away from making children appear more compliant or "typical" and towards understanding communication, regulation, sensory needs and connection.
We explore: behaviour as communication, meltdowns versus behaviour, sensory and emotional regulation, school and social expectations, advocating for your child, reducing pressure at home, and helping children develop a positive neurodivergent identity.
Designed for both neurodivergent professionals and the organisations that employ them, this workshop explores what workplaces can do to move beyond simply talking about inclusion.
We explore: masking in professional environments, disclosure and self-advocacy, reasonable adjustments, communication differences, meetings and workplace expectations, sensory environments, leadership, psychological safety, and practical ways organisations can support neurodivergent employees to thrive.
Masking can come at a significant emotional and physical cost. This workshop explores the relationship between neurodivergence, sensory overload, executive functioning, masking and burnout — and what we can do differently.
We explore: recognising overload and burnout, identifying personal triggers, understanding energy and capacity, creating recovery strategies, reducing unnecessary demands, and building a life that is sustainable rather than simply survivable.
For those facing misunderstanding about their own or their child’s diagnosis.
We explore: responding to dismissive comments, managing unsolicited advice, setting boundaries and coping with the hurt of feeling unheard.
2-hour workshop · Live virtual delivery
19 January 2027, 10 am–12 noon, or 16 February 2027, 4–6 pm. Adelaide time.
Instead of constantly asking, "How do I make myself cope better?", this workshop asks a different question:
"How can I design my life so I don't have to fight my brain every day?"
A practical session focused on creating personalised strategies around everyday life, work, parenting and relationships.
We explore: energy management, executive functioning, routines that actually work, sensory-friendly environments, boundaries, asking for help, managing expectations, reducing decision fatigue and creating your own personal Unmasked Life Plan.
Neurodivergence rarely affects only one person. Different communication styles, sensory needs, routines and expectations can create misunderstandings across an entire family.
This workshop helps families understand one another without judgement.
We explore: different neurotypes within families, communication breakdowns, sensory needs, emotional regulation, boundaries, routines, conflict, reducing shame and blame, and creating a home where everyone has permission to be themselves.
Practical language for explaining the challenges of living with disability to family, friends, schools and workplaces.
We explore: describing needs, explaining overwhelm and masking, and asking for support without feeling you have to justify your diagnosis.
2-hour workshop · Live virtual delivery
26 January 2027, 10 am–12 noon, or 23 February 2027, 4–6 pm. Adelaide time.
Begin Your learning Journey
Workshops can be delivered face-to-face or live virtually and adapted for individuals, parent groups, schools, workplaces, community organisations and professional teams.
Sessions combine lived experience, practical education, conversation and immediately usable strategies. Unmasked isn't about teaching people how to become "better" at appearing neurotypical.
It's about creating a world where they don't have to.
2027 dates · 2-hour workshop · Live virtual delivery
January: 10 am–12 noon. February: 4–6 pm. All times Adelaide.
Workshop 01: 18 January / 15 February
Workshop 02: 20 January / 17 February
Workshop 03: 22 January / 19 February
Workshop 04: 25 January / 22 February
Workshop 05: 27 January / 24 February
Workshop 06: 29 January / 26 February