Acorn Exchange: Conversations on Safety and Trust

Hi there! I’m one of the team members here at Squirrel Space!! I wanted to start this discussion group on Psychological Safety for so many reasons.  

• Lack of psychological safety in workplaces seems to be the norm, rather than the exception.

• Toxic workplaces have profound impacts on every aspect of employee well-being.  

• The neurodivergent population is especially impacted.

In The Canary Code, Dr. Ludmila Praslova expands on the metaphor of the canary—long used within neurodivergent and disability communities—as a symbol of heightened sensitivity and early awareness. Just as canaries once signaled danger in coal mines, neurodivergent individuals often detect problems in workplaces or systems—such as unfair treatment, exclusion, or ethical lapses—long before others do. This early “alarm” is not a weakness but a gift: a sign of deep attunement to patterns, emotions, and justice. Praslova notes that many neurodivergent people experience the world with elevated empathy and intensity, notice subtleties that others miss, and hold a strong commitment to truth and integrity. When environments are safe and supportive for these “canaries,” they become safer and more humane for everyone.

This forum was created to share ideas on the following:

• Tips and strategies for those that are currently experiencing psychologically unsafe spaces.

• What practices, boundaries, or supports have helped you protect your energy and wellbeing?

• How have you navigated self-advocacy in environments that didn’t feel psychologically safe?

• What has helped you recover or rebuild trust after experiencing bullying or invalidation?

• If another neurodivergent person is starting to realize their workplace may be unsafe, what would you want them to know?

• What small shifts—personal, interpersonal, or organizational—made a big difference for you?

• How might we, as a neurodivergent community, use our sensitivity and integrity to transform workplaces for the better?

Group Rules

This is a discussion space, not therapy.

We share experiences and tips, but this forum is not a substitute for professional mental health support.

Respect one another

Everyone has a different point of view so feel free to respectfully disagree. Please be kind and courteous at all times.

Be respectful of others’ privacy

Being in this group depends on our trust of one another. Some discussions may be sensitive or contain sensitive information, so what’s said in the group should stay in the group.  Do not disclose the names or identifying details of specific individuals, workplaces, or organizations.

Encourage and support one another.

Celebrate insights, coping strategies, and progress. Help create a psychologically safe space for everyone.

No sales or spam

No selling to or spamming other members is allowed in this group. Anyone who does so will be subject to immediate removal.

No harassment of any kind

Bullying, targeting, or attacking a member of this group is not allowed and will not be tolerated.

Copyright infringement and trademark

When sharing others people’s posts, images and other content, do not infringe on their copyright or claim other people’s materials as your own.