I had the opportunity to attend the panel on “masking” in autistic individuals at SXSW EDU 2025, and it left me reflecting deeply on the subject. As a grandparent of a child on the autism spectrum, I was especially interested in how masking affects mental health and how we can more meaningfully support neurodiverse individuals. The session brought together a group of talented and diverse speakers who provided personal insights and clinical expertise, making it a truly enlightening experience.
The panelists offered valuable perspectives, including Maeve Doonan, Andrew Harris, Jessica Pappagianopoulos, and Grant Sparks. Maeve Doonan’s first-hand account of her experiences with masking was especially moving, as it highlighted the emotional toll it can take. Andrew Harris brought a creative twist to the conversation, sharing a case study where a tabletop role-playing game was used to foster learning and connection—a unique and engaging approach that left a lasting impression on me.
Jessica Pappagianopoulos from the University of Virginia provided a well-grounded academic perspective, discussing how IEP goals can be designed to align with neurodiversity principles, which I found particularly helpful as an educator looking for practical solutions. Grant Sparks from Modern Path rounded out the panel by emphasizing the importance of creating environments that support neurodiversity and leveraging the strengths and interests of autistic individuals.
It was truly enlightening to hear from such a varied and talented group of individuals who spoke with passion and expertise. Their collective message about the importance of disrupting systems that perpetuate the pressure to mask was eye-opening. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how we can create more inclusive environments in educational settings and in life that allow neurodiverse individuals to truly be themselves.
For anyone interested in neurodiversity, this session was a valuable resource. It gave me not only new ideas for supporting my granddaughter but also a broader perspective on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.