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Masking to Mastery: A Neurodivergent Psychologist’s Case for Systemic and Practice Change

Tracks
Ballroom 2
Monday, August 31, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Overview

Morgana Walker, Morgana Walker Psychology


Three Key Learnings

1: ADHD + Menopause = A Distinct Clinical Presentation 2: Neurodivergent Clinicians Face Invisible Professional Barriers 3: Families, Clinicians and Services Thrive When We Celebrate Neurodiversity


Speaker

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Morgana Walker
Director - Principal Psychologist
Morgana Walker Psychology

Masking to Mastery: A Neurodivergent Psychologist’s Case for Systemic and Practice Change.

Abstract

As a late diagnosed woman with ADHD who runs a private psychology practice while navigating perimenopause, I speak from both clinical authority and the unvarnished realities of daily professional life. This keynote exposes the invisible labour neurodivergent clinicians perform to appear competent, reliable and respected: masking to meet professional expectations, battling time blindness that undermines scheduling and billing, managing sensory overload during back to back clinical days, negotiating disclosure with staff and clients, and coping with hormonal fluctuations that affect concentration, emotional regulation and clinical presence. I will weave anonymised case vignettes, practice audit findings and the family facing psychoeducation work of Empower Parents Worldwide into a practical roadmap. Attendees will receive three clinical heuristics to differentiate perimenopausal cognitive change from ADHD, two immediate practice management strategies to reduce administrative failure points, and a reproducible family psychoeducation framework that celebrates neurodiversity. This keynote reframes clinician wellbeing as a patient safety and service design issue and offers concrete steps for workplaces, professional bodies and individual practitioners to create sustainable, inclusive practice environments.

Biography

Morgana Walker MAPS is a private practice owner, generalist psychologist, registered teacher & clinically-trained play therapist specialising in neurodiversity‑affirming assessment and therapy, based in Melbourne, Australia. She blends evidence‑based approaches, play therapy, and sensory‑informed practice to support children, adolescents, adults, and families to build skills, emotional regulation, and wellbeing. Morgana provides in-clinic intervention, parent coaching, inclusive education planning, and professional training for educators and clinicians. Known for a warm, strengths‑based, practical style, she shares expertise through digital content, webinars, and publications. She is committed to accessible, culturally sensitive, trauma‑informed care and advocates for neurodivergent rights across Australia.
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