Partnership for People with Disabilities

06/08/2026

❓ Ever wonder why a "perfectly behaved" student or a quiet coworker suddenly crashes? It’s called neurodivergent masking—and the exhausting effort to "blend in" comes with a massive cost.

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

05/28/2026

Behind every resilient family is an incredible Support Parent. 🫶 Check out this amazing post from Parent to Parent USA and click below to give the ultimate gift of connection! 💜

💜 Give the Gift of Connection! 💜

Behind every family navigating a complex diagnosis or disability is a need for someone who truly understands. Our volunteer Support Parents are those lifelines—providing trained, trauma-informed, and deeply empathetic mentorship to families when they need it most.

We want to send these incredible mentors to the national Support Parent Summit, where they will gain crucial skills in self-care, active listening, and healthy boundaries to continue strengthening our community.

But we can’t do it without you. 🙏

Your generosity will help cover the costs to give a Support Parent the opportunity to learn, recharge, and connect with peers from across the country.

✨ How you can help:
👉 Click the link to donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/gift-of-connection-send-a-support-parent-to-the-summit
👉 Share this post with your friends and family to help us spread the word!

Thank you for helping us support the parents who support everyone else. 🫶

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. 🎉