My Outlet Issue #3 | 2026
- audriechad
- May 25
- 6 min read
A Season of Growth at My Outlet!
Founder’s note
What Does Engagement Really Look Like?
This month, I want to talk about two things I've gained a real appreciation for: engagement and capacity building.
For many of you, this may be the last newsletter you read before summer takes hold — and that makes right now the perfect time to think about what's ahead. If you're a school administrator, you may already be planning professional development and workshops for the fall. If you're a corporate leader, you're thinking about how to regroup your team and rebuild momentum after the summer break. And if you're a parent, you may be bracing for what can be one of the trickiest transitions of the year — from camp to a new school, new faces, new teachers, and sometimes an entirely new environment.
No matter which seat you sit in, the question is the same: What does engagement actually look like?
The answer is that it looks different for everyone. Engagement might be as simple as asking more questions, responding to an email, offering an opinion, or making a suggestion. Or it might be more substantive — exploring capacity building within your organization, your school, or your camp. At My Outlet, we spend a great deal of time thinking about how to deepen engagement on a topic that is deeply personal for many, yet profoundly relevant to all — even those who don't yet realize it.
And the question isn't just how much engagement — it's whose voice is in the room. Are you the voice of a leader within your organization? Are you representing a parent group? A child? Understanding who you represent, and where neurodiversity and inclusion rank among your priorities, is essential to moving the conversation forward.
Here's what I'm hearing right now: a growing chorus of "I wish I had this." There is real interest, real momentum, and a genuine desire to change things for the younger generations. I hear it from teens who wish they had known more and understood more sooner. I hear it from parents who want better support for their kids as they grow up and navigate a world that wasn't designed with them in mind.
So the real question becomes: How do we take that energy — those conversations, that desire — and turn it into action at the right time, with the right people?
What does that engagement look like in practice? How can we paint a rich picture for our stakeholders — one with many options — that shows what meaningful engagement could look like within their systems?
A researcher said something to me recently that has stayed with me. She said we should always ask ourselves one question:
"Will this move the dial?"
I think that's the question each of us should carry into the fall. Whether you're planning a workshop, redesigning a program, or simply deciding where to invest your time and attention — ask yourself if your goal is to move the dial on understanding, inclusion, and support for the neurodiverse community.
If the answer is yes, let's talk. We're here to help you build that capacity.
— Warm regards, Audrie Chad Founder, My Outlet
News and upcoming events
Our Sunday sessions are in full swing at Gravitate Studio, and we couldn't be more in love with this space.
If you've been thinking about joining us, there's still time — spots are available for the remainder of the spring session.
📍 3 remaining sessions:
· May 24, 31
· June 7
Every Sunday, kids move through four blocks: movement to build focus, emotional skills practice, hands-on exploration (art, music, STEM, nature, gaming), and calming practices like yoga and breathwork. And of course, every session includes earning a LEGO piece for their growing toolkit to remind them of what they've learned, help them embed new practices into their daily life and take pride in the things they've accomplished at My Outlet.
📍 North York location: 1947 Avenue Road, Sunday afternoons, 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 Vaughan location: 130 Racco Parkway, Unit #10, Thornhill (SMILE Therapy's space).
Want to learn more or reserve your spot? Book a free 15-minute call with Audrie or send us an enquiry.
My Outlet Anti-Bullying Workshop at Local Middle School
My Outlet Team | Anti-bullying Workshop at Toronto Heschel School
In late April, we had the privilege of delivering a comprehensive anti-bullying workshop for students and a parent webinar at a local middle school — and the response was incredible.
Students rotated through four interactive stations exploring role-playing scenarios, creative art activities, advocacy exploration, and connection-building strategies. Facilitators included our very own Lauren Pelc (Social Services Worker & Child Advocate), Steve Elliot (e3 Speak Up to Stand Out), Simone Merrick (Guelph Psychology Student), and Matthan Francis (Positivity Lives Here).
The parent webinar, led by Audrie and Dr. Lauren McNamara, PhD (Educational Psychology), focused on equipping families with practical tools to support their children through bullying situations — because this topic is sorely needed, and we're grateful to have been part of such an important conversation.
Join Us for a Special Event – Fitness Class + Talk with Lauren Pelc
Saturday, May 31 | 2:00–3:30 PM | Gravitate Studio, North York
While your child is in class, join us for something just for you: a 45-minute Gravity fitness class (a full-body strengthening workout done on the Total Gym machine — no experience needed, all fitness levels welcome) followed by a 30-minute talk with Lauren Pel
Lauren brings a strengths-based approach and expertise in group process and conflict resolution strategies.
Her talk will be curated around your interests, with practical tools and resources you can actually use.
Cost: $25 per personSpaces are limited — send us an email or DM on socials to reserve your spot.
Community Spotlight: 3D Printed Fidget Toys with Roan
Roan | @fidgetislandco
One of our most memorable moments this spring was welcoming Roan, a neurodivergent young adult who designs custom 3D printed fidget toys, to lead a hands-on workshop for our Kids Signature Program.
The kids were completely engaged — asking questions, exploring the designs, and learning how 3D printing works. But what made this session truly special was what it meant for Roan and his journey.
Here's what his mom shared with us:
"Thanks to My Outlet for providing such a wonderful opportunity for my neurodivergent young adult son to build his self-confidence. He was invited to run his self-developed interactive, hands-on workshop about 3D printing for the Outlet kids, and a great time was had by all. The attention, enthusiasm, and participation the kids showed in his workshop were so beneficial for him as a shy and soft-spoken person. This experience was crucial in helping him say 'yes' when he was invited to participate in a podcast, and then to be on a 3 person panel, which he would have declined before. So thanks My Outlet for helping neurodivergent youth strive to become their best selves."
We are so proud to have played a small part in Roan's growing confidence — and grateful he shared his passion with our community.
Want to see Roan's amazing work? Check out his custom 3D printed fidget designs on Instagram: @fidgetislandco
The LEGO Toolkit – Building Skills, One Piece at a Time
Lego Toolkit | My Outlet Kids Signature Program
Each week, kids earn a LEGO brick representing a skill or concept they've explored in class — Boundaries, Friendships, Regulation, Confidence, and more. It's not just a souvenir; it's a tangible reminder of the real-life tools they're building.
Parents, you can explore each topic in depth on our website at
channelmyoutlet.com/resources. Learn what each piece represents, why it matters, and how to practice these skills at home.
Co-op Students Kickoff
Meet Our Summer Team
On Monday, May 4, we officially kicked off our summer co-op program with 8 incredible students.
We were also joined by Maya and Margaret, two of our Kids Signature Program facilitators, and Lauren Pelc.
The energy in the room was everything. Students shared ideas, plans for the summer, and — our favorite part — how excited they were when they received their co-op offers.
We'll be introducing each student and the projects they're working on very soon. From illustration to clinical research to child and youth work, this team is bringing fresh perspectives and deep commitment to the work ahead. We're looking forward to a meaningful, productive summer together.
Quick Tip
Celebrate Small Wins to Build Confidence
Practice greetings and conversation starters at home in a low-pressure way. Role-play scenarios like: "How do you join a group that's already playing?" or "What do you say when someone seems upset?"
Keep it light and fun — even act out silly versions. The more your child practices these scripts, the more confident they'll feel using them in real life.
Looking Ahead to Co-op Projects Reveal & Fall 2026
Our co-op students are diving into four exciting projects this summer — each one designed to deepen our impact and serve our community in new ways. We'll be revealing each project over the coming weeks, so stay tuned to see what they're building!
One we can share now: a first-of-its-kind book series for kids, created collaboratively by students across illustration, clinical research, and child and youth work. These books will build language, fluency, and understanding through relatable characters and lived neurodivergent experience. We can't wait to introduce you to the stories they're bringing to life.
As spring wraps up, we're already planning for our fall session starting in September. Early enrollment will open this summer for current families, with general enrollment following shortly after.
Thank you for being part of the My Outlet community. Your trust, your stories, and your kids' growth inspire everything we do.
See you soon! 💙
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