My Outlet Issue #2 | 2025
- audriechad
- Dec 16, 2025
- 7 min read
My Outlet has been on the move!
Founder’s note
Active across the ecosystem
This year, My Outlet showed up across the ecosystem — together with our partners, educators, families, and community. From our Signature Kids Program and PLASP school enrichment, to PA Day training and professional workshops, to a completed five-part overnight camp workshop series, our work extended into classrooms, campuses, and communities alike.
We were present on campus at Guelph, in community spaces like the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company and the Disability Holiday Market, and in corporate settings supporting neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace. Each collaboration helped us close knowledge and informational gaps, build shared understanding, and create real momentum through practical, actionable insights.
What became clear this year is that we are much less alone — and so much stronger together. We’re deeply grateful to neuropsychologist Dr. Nicole Murray for joining forces with us to deliver an impactful and educational PA Day workshop focused on neurodiversity and inclusion in the classroom. Collaborations like this allow us to better support teachers and staff, and to do this work with care, confidence, and collective purpose.
Audrie
News and upcoming events
Winter Session Begins January 18th
Winter registration for our Signature Program is now open, with the new session beginning January 18th.
Each session is intentionally designed to support 5 core skills we build: emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, awareness and self-advocacy — helping kids show up as their full selves.
Whether families are returning or joining us for the first time, we’re looking forward to another season of learning and growth together.
OCA Connects 2026 Conference
My Outlet will be speaking at the Ontario Camps Association Connects 2026 Conference on February 4th at the Hilton Markham Suites Conference Centre.
Our session focuses on how to lead with a culture of neuroinclusivity, translating research and best practices into practical leadership tools camps can apply immediately.
Participants will leave equipped and inspired to infuse their camp culture with the ingredients of neuroinclusion, strengthening teams and creating more supportive, inclusive experiences for campers this summer.
The Beacon Expert Panel: Live Webinar
On March 19th, from 6:00pm-7:30pm, in celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, My Outlet is hosting the inaugural Beacon Expert Panel - collaborative discussion bringing together subject matter experts who are shaping the future of learning and employment opportunities for neurodivergent university students.
Held as a live webinar, this panel is designed to create space for dialogue, insight-sharing, and collective problem-solving.
Theme: Setting neurodivergent students, their peers and allies up for success by building their university and early career toolkit
Moderator: Steve Elliot, Co-founder and Lead Facilitator of e3 Public Speaking
Panelists:
Aleem Nasser, President and Founder of The Art of Being Smart. Tedx Speaker, Author and 4.0 GPA Academic Coach
Andrea Zians, Educational Consultant | ADHD Coach | Assistive Technology Specialist | Author
Rob Austin, Professor, Information Systems and Evolution of Work Chair at Ivey Business School | Affiliated faculty member at Harvard Medical School.
Each of our panelists bring different and very complementary skill sets to the table, all of which are grounded in supporting university and other post-secondary students with their work.
Join us for an online event on March 19th to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
My Outlet on TV
My Outlet Founder, Audrie Chad, will be featured on What’s Buzzin with Chris & Cam on Rogers TV. Audrie will be sharing the My Outlet story, our mission, and how families, educators, and community members can access services and get involved.
📺 Stay tuned for air date details.
Share your story
Have a story or insight to share? We’re collecting — and we’d love to learn together. This year, we’re expanding our Share Your Story initiative to include video interviews.
Throughout Q1 2026 (January–March), we’ll be collecting your lived experiences and insights to better understand how neurodiversity is experienced in the workplace.
This is an opportunity to share your story — anonymously, if you wish — to help improve understanding of the neurodivergent experience and highlight the kinds of workplace changes that allies and leaders often want to support, but may not realize are needed.
By listening, learning, and sharing responsibly, this initiative aims to raise the bar, deepen societal understanding, and create space for honest, constructive dialogue — leading to real, practical improvements in workplace culture, without requiring disclosure of diagnoses or personal information.
If you’re interested in contributing your perspective or experience, we invite you to reach out and be part of this collaborative initiative.
My Outlet meets the theatre
My Outlet was honoured to speak following an engaging and thought-provoking performance of “How Do We Get Out of Here”, produced by Psik Theater Production Company. With wit, creativity, and insights grounded in research, the play highlighted the untapped and underappreciated talent of an employee on the Autism spectrum, alongside the invisible challenges and misconceptions of a store owner.
As the story unfolded, the employee and owner discovered a deep, sincere appreciation for one another — in the most unlikely of circumstances. During the talkback, Audrie reflected on the opportunities we all have as employers and colleagues to support, nurture, and develop neurodivergent talent. She emphasized the importance of noticing the small everyday moments that exist to recognize the unique gifts people bring, and the humanity that comes from stepping into someone else’s shoes.
It was a powerful reminder that learning, empathy, and collaboration are the keys to creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Sincere thank you to David Eisner of the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company for inviting us to engage with a captive audience and for elevating the topic of inclusion, untapped talent and humanity.
The Beacon on Guelph University Campus
On November 6th, My Outlet spent the afternoon tabling on Guelph University campus, connecting with students about the most pressing topics and support needs related to neurodiversity, student life, and academics. Common threads included barriers to accessing accommodations, advocating for support with professors, and navigating feelings of loneliness.
At the same time, we met fiercely supportive leaders and advocates — roommates, siblings, and significant others who were championing the strengths and abilities of those around them. Their dedication highlighted the power of a strengths-based approach to identity formation, community connection, and academic achievement.
We also encountered students who would make amazing mentors to other neurodivergent peers — they just needed others to recognize their potential first. It was a memorable day full of connection, collaboration, and momentum-building.
University students can continue the conversation by joining us for an online event on March 19th to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
In the community at our local Holiday Disability Market
We loved connecting with so many incredible people, leaders, creators, advocates, and families in the disability community.
One highlight was meeting a 3D-printing expert who creates custom fidget toys to meet his own sensory needs. We’re thrilled that he’ll be joining the My Outlet Kids Program in the new year as a special guest, sharing his story and teaching participants how to make their own fidgets 🤩
The Holiday Disability Market was also a powerful reminder of how collaboration among stakeholders with different expertise and experiences drives impact. It opened the door to meaningful conversations, shared learning, and potential partnerships that will help My Outlet continue to grow and innovate.
That's a wrap! My Outlet Kids Fall Session comes to a close
Fall 2025 marked our first full session with Ilana, Jonah, and Shira as the My Outlet Signature facilitator team — and they absolutely nailed it. Our kids connected with them right away, and with each class, those relationships deepened, creating a space of trust, joy, and growth.
At My Outlet, our program format is novel, but our people are what make the experience truly unforgettable. The care, creativity, and commitment of our facilitators shape every moment and it shows in how our kids show up, engage, and thrive.
This season was also made possible through meaningful collaboration with our partners and contributors. A heartfelt thank-you to Matthan of Positivity Lives Here, Talina of You Taught Me, Nan of Cardinal Volta, Dani with Art Therapy, and all those who shared their individual crafts, wisdom, and deep love for our kids. Together, you helped create experiences that were not only memorable, but impactful — for both our participants and our facilitators.
Quick Tip
Enjoy holiday togetherness using limited choices
We're heading into holiday season which mean lots of family time, unstructured days and more decisions. Where feasible, offer two simple options:
“Would you like to hop like a bunny or walk like an elephant to the car?”
Choices empower kids and reduce power struggles.
School Administration Education, Workshops & Training
Is your school or organization interested in bringing hands-on, bespoke neurodiversity and inclusion training to your leadership team or staff?
Building on the training sessions delivered to overnight camps in the spring and early summer, My Outlet has continued to partner with schools, camps, and organizations to deliver meaningful education and training throughout the fall. These sessions are designed to meet teams where they are — combining research, lived experience, and practical tools that can be applied immediately.
At upcoming workshops, participants will gain skills, strategies, and confidence to support neurodivergent individuals — not just at camp or in the classroom, but throughout the entire year. Topics generating growing interest include Cognitive Behavioural Theory-informed approaches to supporting staff and campers/students, managing transitions with greater ease, and proactively preventing and addressing bullying. Our approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to the unique needs of each team.
To learn more about availability, pricing, and how we can work together, please inquire at 📩 info@channelmyoutlet.com
Corporate Events
Have you considered how your organization will recognize International Neurodiversity Celebration Month this March? It’s not too late to create something meaningful — and to do it together.
My Outlet partners with organizations to design informative panel discussions, inspiring fireside chats, and practical lunch-and-learns that open up conversation and build shared understanding.
Each engagement is thoughtfully tailored to your team’s goals and readiness, helping you weave neurodiversity and inclusion into your broader culture and strategy in a way that feels authentic and actionable.
To explore a fit-for-purpose initiative for your organization, connect with us at 📩 info@channelmyoutlet.com
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