Masking and camouflaging exact a daily hidden toll on neurodiverse people as they navigate cultural norms designed by—and for—the neurotypical.

The first step toward a more equitable society is to let go of some of our most entrenched expectations of how people ‘should’ be, feel and express themselves, says Neurodiversity Project Manager and researcher, Beth Radulski.

In this interview, Beth and Professor Claire Wright explore:

• The social drivers of masking and camouflaging, and the impacts it has on the health and wellbeing of neurominorities
• How neurotypical privilege manifests in everyday life
• What actions organisations can take to promote inclusion and celebrate neurodiversity
• How Autistic people and other neurominorities can find and cultivate community at university, work and online.

Beth Radulski is La Trobe University’s first openly Autistic Autism researcher, a PhD candidate in the Department of Social Inquiry and the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre and La Trobe’s Neurodiversity Project Manager. Her role implements cultural and institutional changes to help make La Trobe more Neurodiversity friendly.

Connect with community, resources and support at the La Trobe Neurodiversity Hub