Brilliant Maskers

I’m thinking of neurodivergent little girls who learn early how to perform to be safe, be liked, be accepted— and how NOT to act if they want to stay safe, stay liked, and stay accepted.

I’m thinking of my 7 year old daughter who gets awards for self control and crumbles into a non-verbal puddle most days after school.

I’m thinking of the teenage girls who scroll for hours on their phones each night trying to regulate themselves into a space to attempt homework, extracurriculars, or connecting with their families.

I’m thinking of the adult women I know who are still unlearning this and are tired of being burned out to the point that a night’s sleep no longer offers the kind of reset they need.

I see you.