As we enter 2025 and prepare our minds and hearts for the year ahead, I want to take a step back and reflect on one particular theme that played a significant role in my journey this past year: internalized ableism. For me—as someone who is neurodivergent, has experienced health setbacks, and navigated socioeconomic challenges—2024 provided an opportunity to confront some deeply ingrained beliefs about what it means to live, work, and thrive with a disability or health condition.

Internalized ableism is the process by which people with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals adopt society’s negative perceptions of disability as their own. It can manifest as self-doubt, feelings of inferiority, or believing we have to work twice as hard to “earn” our place. Confronting these beliefs can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s a powerful step towards embracing an identity that is whole, worthy, and capable.

Through health challenges, professional growth, and a deep personal exploration, I discovered that I could transform these limiting beliefs into a fuel for resilience, authenticity, and true self-acceptance. Here’s a look at how internalized ableism shaped my 2024—and the lessons I’m carrying into the future.

What Is Internalized Ableism?

Simply put, internalized ableism happens when we absorb stereotypes and prejudices about disability into our own self-concept. We begin to:

• Doubt our abilities or potential, even when we are more than capable.
• Overcompensate in our work or personal lives out of a need to ‘prove’ our value.
• Hide or mask our struggles to appear “normal,” often leading to further stress or burnout.
• Minimize our own achievements, attributing them to luck or external factors rather than our real strengths.

Why does this happen?

Society often sets narrow standards of what “ability” looks like. When we don’t fit into those boxes—be it through sensory differences, ADHD, chronic illness, or physical disability—we may internalize the notion that we’re “less than,” even when we intellectually know we have incredible gifts.

My 2024 Journey: Embracing Growth and Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs

2024 was a blend of challenges and triumphs for me. On one hand, I faced health setbacks that reminded me just how interconnected our bodies and minds can be. These setbacks were more than just physical symptoms; they underscored the mental and emotional toll of healing. As a neurodivergent individual, factors like environment, hormones, and grief influenced my well-being in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for.

On the professional side, I continued presenting at conferences, moderating panels, and facilitating workshops focused on workplace wellness and inclusion. My lived experience—coupled with my passion for creating equitable spaces—shaped the conversations I led. I also co-authored a book, wrote blog posts on unmasking my sensory overload and emotional turmoil, and launched new initiatives on social media. These opportunities let me live out my purpose: helping others reach their full potential and creating a culture of well-being in workplaces.

However, the biggest revelation came when I noticed the quiet but persistent voice in my head asking:

“Are you sure you deserve to be here? Are you sure you’re good enough?”

These whispers of doubt were rooted in internalized ableism—the sense that my differences made me “less qualified,” “too fragile,” or that I had to hide the truth of my struggles. Paradoxically, it was the very work I was doing—speaking on inclusion and mental well-being—that led me to see how deeply these beliefs had taken root.

Steps I Took to Challenge Internalized Ableism

Naming the Feeling
When I realized I was questioning my own worthiness, I labeled it. Identifying these thoughts as internalized ableism was both empowering and liberating. Naming the problem helped me see it clearly, instead of letting it run unnoticed in the background.

Seeking Community and Support
Participating in workshops, connecting with allies, and sharing my experiences openly helped me counter my negative self-talk. Community healing—whether through support groups, mentors, or online forums—reminded me that I’m not alone.

Investing in Growth
In September 2024, I began a certification program in ADHD Life Coaching with the IACTCenter. This wasn’t just a professional pursuit; it was a part of my personal rehabilitation and healing. Learning more about neurodiversity and coaching skills reframed my challenges and supercharged my sense of purpose.

Rewriting My Narrative
Through daily affirmations, journaling, and reflective exercises, I consciously replaced my self-doubts with a more accurate story: I am resilient, resourceful, and deeply intuitive. My neurodivergence is a strength, not a weakness.

Making My Accomplishments Visible
To counter internalized ableism, I started celebrating milestones—big and small. Whether it was finishing a blog post, speaking at an event, or simply taking a day off for self-care, I recognized these moments as victories in my journey towards wholeness.

Fostering an Anti-Ableism Mindset

Internalized ableism doesn’t only exist within the disabled or neurodivergent community; it’s bolstered by societal norms. To move forward collectively, we need everyone—disabled or not—to adopt an anti-ableist mindset. Here’s how:

• Challenge Stereotypes: Question the idea that there is only one “right” way to exist, learn, or communicate.

• Uplift Diverse Stories: Amplify the voices and narratives of people with different abilities and backgrounds.

• Practice Inclusive Language: Use respectful terminology and avoid words that perpetuate stereotypes or stigma.

• Honor Accessibility: Recognize that accessibility is a human right, not a favor. Advocate for inclusive designs in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

Self-Reflective Questions

Reflect on Representation:

• How do the shows, books, and social media accounts I follow depict disability or neurodiversity?

• Do they challenge or reinforce common stereotypes?

Examine Self-Talk:

• In what ways might I downplay or dismiss my own achievements because I assume I’m “less able” or not as deserving?

• When was the last time I congratulated myself for a success without any “but…”?

Assess Workplace/Community Spaces:

• Are our shared spaces welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities?

• What concrete changes can I propose to ensure everyone feels truly included and supported?

Advocate and Learn:

• How often do I speak up when I see or hear ableist comments or policies?

• What more can I learn about the diverse experiences of disabled and neurodivergent communities?

Embrace Vulnerability:

• Do I feel safe sharing my health or personal challenges with friends, family, or colleagues? Why or why not?

• What steps can I take to foster a more supportive environment for myself and others?

Moving Forward: Stepping Into 2025 with Purpose

Confronting and dismantling internalized ableism is a process—one that requires continual self-reflection and intentional action. By recognizing the ways we may have unconsciously accepted limiting beliefs, we open the door to deeper self-compassion, authenticity, and growth.

As I carry these lessons into 2025, I do so with a renewed sense of gratitude for my community, a commitment to ongoing self-care, and a determination to nurture inclusive spaces everywhere I go. My 2024 journey  has reminded me that healing is not a linear process; it’s an ever-evolving path that invites us to show up with courage and vulnerability, day after day.

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to join me in challenging ableism—both within ourselves and in the world around us. Let’s step into the new year ready to embrace our full potential, anchored by compassion and respect for each other’s unique human experience.