Episode
Autism, ADHD & Unmasking at Work: Aisling Smith on Neurodiversity Inclusion - Episode 120
- Published
- Jan 5, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3637
- Processing state
processed- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c9dda41
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Summary
“I’ve masked so much. I’m a chameleon. I didn’t even know who I was anymore.” In this episode, Aisling Smith explains how unmasking, self-knowledge, and better workplace design can transform both careers and confidence. Aisling Smith is an award-winning neurodiversity trainer, international speaker, and inclusion consultant. Late diagnosed autistic and ADHD, she works with organizations worldwide to create neuro-inclusive workplaces and empower neurodivergent employees to thrive without masking. Episode Highlights 00:02:27 — Discovering neurodivergence through motherhood Aisling shares how her son’s autism diagnosis led her to recognize her own ADHD and autism. What began as advocacy for her child became a profound personal awakening. 00:07:37 — Masking and losing your sense of self She describes lifelong masking as becoming a “chameleon” and believing this was normal. The realization reframed decades of exhaustion and emotional strain. 00:10:57 — When labels become tools, not limits Aisling explains how labels only limit us if we inherit society’s biases. Reclaiming them as self-knowledge creates freedom rather than restriction. 00:16:29 — Leaving corporate training to work authentically After diagnosis, she realized she could no longer train leadership through a neurotypical lens. This moment sparked her shift into neurodiversity inclusion work. 00:22:00 — Why neurodivergent employees burn out Workplaces are designed for 80% of people, leaving others to mask and suffer. Burnout is not failure, but a predictable outcome of poor systems. 00:25:30 — The ‘volcanic’ moment at work Meltdowns are never about one incident. Aisling explains how small ignored stressors build until the final breaking point. 00:27:30 — Empowerment beats accommodation True inclusion isn’t about s…