Center for Family Involvement

06/04/2026

The workday mask takes massive energy. When it drops, the "masking hangover" begins. 🎭

Read below for simple ways to support neurodivergent loved ones through sensory decompression!

🎭THE WEIGHT OF THE MASK
- MASKING … WHAT YOU DON'T SEE

“THE MASKING HANGOVER"

To start: What is masking? (stay tuned all next week for more posts on masking)!

It is when neurodivergent people consciously or unconsciously suppress their natural traits, behaviors, or sensory needs to fit into a neurotypical world.

It’s the exhausting effort of hiding sensory overload, anxiety, or neurodivergent traits just to "blend in" at school or work.

It takes a massive amount of energy, leading directly to the dreaded "masking hangover."

Keeping the mask on all day takes immense physical and emotional energy:

• Avoid immediatly asking:
"How was your day?"

• Offer dim lights:
Silence & soft music help!

• Offer snacks and hydration:
Physical depletion makes masking worse.

• Co-regulate with silence:
Just sit nearby without requiring them to talk.

Article “When Neurodivergent Burnout Reaches Its Breaking Point” — LINK: additudemag.com/autistic-adhd-burnout-neurodivergent-masking/

Attitude Magazine Autism Society Central Virginia Autism Society Tidewater Virginia Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG) The Arc of Northern Virginia

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities

06/04/2026

💥 7 Youth Needed! Want to lead inclusion in Virginia schools and get paid $25/hour?🎉

06/03/2026

Blending in shouldn't feel like a marathon. 🎭If you're exhausting yourself to fit in, you aren't living—you're performing.

Check out this vital new series on neurodivergent masking from the Center for Family Involvement.

Connect with CFI for free 1-on-1 support 🤩

06/03/2026

🎉Students with disabilities are welcome to join the Inclusion Project at VCU's Partnership for People with Disabilities.

We are actively seeking new leaders to help us build more inclusive communities for people with disabilities in schools and beyond.

Feel free to message me for more information or email [email protected]

06/01/2026

Huge congrats to Dana Yarbrough and the CFI team! 🥳 The AUCD just spotlighted their incredible 18-month partnership with the Chickahominy Tribe.

🔦 SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT💥
Huge shoutout to our Director, Dana Yarbrough! 🌟

Dana and the CFI team were just featured by the AUCD for their incredible work partnering with the Chickahominy Tribe.

By listening first and moving at the community's pace, they are building bridges and expanding culturally responsive disability support across Virginia.

Article title: The Partnership for People with Disabilities
Expands Work with Tribal Communities

ARTICLE: tinyurl.com/Dana-Yarbrough

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/27/2026

😮 WAIT, WHAT?! Did you know Virginia Medicaid could cover 100% of your employer health insurance premium? Yes, even the part taken right out of your paycheck!💰

05/26/2026

🌊 Over 150 solar-powered, remote-operated track systems have been installed on public beaches, allowing wheelchair users to independently glide right into the ocean. Complete with accessible changing rooms and wooden walkways, this national initiative is transforming inclusive coastal tourism. 🎉

05/19/2026

True inclusion starts with understanding. 💡 From embracing fidgets to respecting sensory needs, hit share to pass these quick tips along to your circle!

😍Care Card ~ Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergence

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

Please Do 🙌

CELEBRATE THE "SPARK": Encourage interests. Recognizing passions and incorporating them into activities can lead to engagement.

ALLOW "STIMMING" & FIDGETS:
Natural movements like humming, rocking, or using a fidget toy help regulate their nervous system.

PROVIDE MULTIPLE PATHWAYS:
Some students might excel at a verbal report or a drawing rather than a traditional written essay.

ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME:
Neurodivergent brains might need extra time to read or process verbal prompts. Wait, allow time, and be patient.

BE FLEXIBLE: Learning and listening look different and eye contact can be uncomfortable. Doodling might help with focus.

Please Don't ✋

FORCE EYE CONTACT: This can unintentionally downplay the significant energy required to stay regulated or "mask."

DEMAND "WHOLE BODY LISTENING": Stillness doesn't equal learning. Many neurodivergent folks actually process information better when they are doodling, fidgeting, or pacing.

TREAT SENSORY NEEDS AS PREFERENCES: If someone says lights are too bright or a room is too loud, please take it seriously. This can cause physical and mental discomfort for some people.

I Can …

✅Partner on accommodations
✅Provide tools
✅Share "special interest" tips
✅Explain specific sensory needs

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/18/2026

Want to be a better ally to medically complex families? Please repost this to help us spread this essential guide! 🌍We are dropping new Care Cards all week to bridge the gap between caregivers and the people who love them 😍

😍Care Card ~ Supporting Families Dealing with Complex Medical Needs

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

We will be posting unique Care Cards ALL WEEK!

Please Do 🙌

CREATE A CAREGIVER CARE PACKAGE: Drop off a bag with earplugs, sleep masks, face wipes, and other comfort items for long hospital stays.

PROVIDE FUEL: Give the gift of easy meals or gift cards for gas and food. Travel costs add up quickly.

MANAGE THE HOUSEHOLD:
Offer specific help with siblings, pets, lawn care, cleaning, etc.

CHECK IN: Keep calling or texting regularly, even if I don't respond. It helps me feel less alone.

BE SPECIFIC WITH HELP: Example: "I'm at the store, what can I drop off?" or "l have 2 hours on Tuesday to help with laundry."

Please Don't ✋

SAY "EVERYTHING WILL BE OK":
It might not be. This diminishes how heavy and complex my family's situation can be.

SAY "I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT": We do it because we have to; and our entire life is impacted. Saying this reminds us of how much we've adapted to manage these complexities.

COMPARE TO TYPICAL ILLNESS:
Please don't compare a complex medical journey to routine appointments or procedures. Everything we deal with is far more involved than the "typical" experience.

I Can ...

✅Do a specific errand
✅Provide a meal
✅Support a sibling
✅Drop off a care package

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities