Join us for an inspiring journey with Carmen, an advocate for neurodivergent empowerment and a budding neuroscientist on a mission to make mental health spaces more inclusive.

Carmen’s story weaves together her early experiences with emotional challenges, discovering her neurodivergent identity, and her passion for neuroscience and mental health advocacy. Currently on a placement year, Carmen is exploring both her career in pharmaceuticals and her commitment to creating supportive spaces for others.

In this session, Carmen opens up about:

• Understanding Neurodivergence Later in Life: Diagnosed around her 20th birthday, Carmen shares her journey of self-discovery, including her insights into ADHD and dyspraxia and how these diagnoses helped her embrace her unique strengths.

• Navigating Early Emotional Challenges: Carmen recalls her childhood experiences in mental health services due to emotional dysregulation, later understood as part of her autistic identity. She discusses how reframing these experiences as autistic meltdowns and burnout provided clarity and self-acceptance.

• Exploring Autism Across Cultures: Carmen highlights the role that culture plays in shaping perceptions of autism, discussing how her experiences in neurodivergent and multicultural communities influenced her understanding of identity and belonging.

• Pursuing a Passion for Neuroscience: Now in a placement year in pharmaceuticals, Carmen talks about her love for neuroscience and how it fuels her goal of making mental health spaces more inclusive and neuro-affirming.

Watch Carmen’s Uncommon Journey to discover how embracing your unique mind can lead to meaningful connections and self-acceptance. Whether you're exploring your own path, supporting a loved one, or interested in Carmen’s journey through neuroscience and advocacy, her story will inspire you to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

What to Expect: In this recorded session, Carmen shares her journey with warmth, honesty, and resilience, offering a relatable and empowering narrative for all.

Watch the Recording and Be Inspired

Carmen’s Uncommon Journey reminds us that understanding ourselves is a powerful first step. Her story highlights that even in the face of challenges, there’s room to grow, connect, and thrive.

Want More?

Join our upcoming webinars, or explore resources to support neurodivergent teens in finding their unique strengths.