Hi, I’m Láyla, an autistic art activist and speaker who grew up in the wilderness.
I have a Master’s Degree in trauma healing from Goddard College and studied psychology at the doctoral level.
My talks raise awareness about high-masking autism and invisible disability. I share from lived experience as an invisibly disabled AuDHD trauma survivor with severe migraine disorder and chronic pain.
Through vulnerable storytelling, authenticity, and a unique way of looking at the world, I bring clarity to complex topics and inspire audiences to think differently.
1 review
Helene D. K.
September 27, 2024Layla does provide some food for thought about how individuals who have neurodiversity experience their world and how can we rethink our role in assuming this is the individuals issue as opposed to a societal issue.
Great presentation with great slides . The art work amazing!
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
The Instinctual Woman
Thank you so much, Helene! It was a pleasure to speak to your team!
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 60 minutes
What people are saying...
"Layla is an impactful speaker that gets an audience thinking differently. She has a unique way of sharing her real life experiences to challenge systems that are no longer working and inspires us to explore new perspectives and innovative solutions." - Makaylah Rogers, Mental Health Advocate & Keynote Speaker, Co-founder Frankie D’s Donuts
"Layla Messner is a powerful advocate for the intersection of topics including poverty, neurodiversity, and mental health. She speaks with honesty and is able to help others understand different perspectives that need to be heard." - Mich Lam, Graphic Designer/Queer Advocate
"A great learning experience for frontline workers and others interested in neurodiversity."
- Cheryl Parnell, Program Manager
"I would encourage people to attend this talk as it provides a new and thoughtful perspective on the brain and environment."
- Tarik Drummond, Support Worker
"This was a new topic. People don’t know much about this subject, and it was really informative."
- Harmeen, Sr. Business Services Associate
My Speaking Topics:
- High-masking Autism
- Invisible Disability
- Mental Health Awareness
- Neurodiversity
- Trauma and Resilience
- Autistic & Disabled Pride
1. The Brain is Part of Its Environment
Our nervous systems are connected to and shaped by our physical and social environments. Discover how this connection influences mental health and well-being for everyone, with a special focus on autistic individuals.
2. This is what Invisible Disability Looks Like.
Messner shares her experience as an AuDHD trauma survivor with severe migraine disorder and chronic pain to raise awareness about dynamic and non-apparent disabilities.
3. Unmasking the Myth of Autistic Fragility
This talk debunks the “low threshold” narrative in autism and reframes autistic meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout through a trauma-aware, polyvagal lens, advocating for an immediate shift to a compassionate model of support.
Custom topics available upon request.
Neurodivergent speaker. Please minimize external noise; avoid beeping or loud sounds, no background music during performance. Thank you!
Water and microphone
Motivational Speaker
