Featured On:
Speaking Topics
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, invisible and dynamic disability, and wilderness preservation. 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.
Interested in having me speak at your event?
01/03
The Brain is Part of its Environment
Our nervous systems are connected to and shaped by our physical and social environments. Diverse social issues intersect in our brains, including mental health, trauma, neurodiversity, invisible disability, and poverty. Discover how these connections influence mental health and well-being for everyone, with a special focus on autistic individuals.
02/03
This is What Invisible Disability Looks Like
I may “look fine” but without financial support from my family, I would be dead. From stigma, to pressure to harm ourselves, to denial of supports, discrimination impacts the lives of people with non-apparent disabilities every day. Discover why health is an invisible form of privilege and how you can stand against ableism.
03/03
YOU Are a Wild Animal
We talk about nature as if it’s a destination, something separate from us. We even call it “outside.” But humans are animals. We are as much a part of nature as wildlife is. As an autistic artist who grew up in the wilderness, I’ll share why I believe going outside to connect with nature is backward…and why the first step to wilderness preservation is connecting WITHIN.
Audience Testimonials
“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 needs to be heard.” – Mich Lam, Graphic Designer/Queer Advocate
