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Unmasking Social
Welcome to Unmasking Social – the podcast where autistic teens and young adults, families, and professionals come together to explore real, authentic ways of building friendships, community, and identity.
Hosted by a speech-language pathologist with nearly 15 years' experience with autism and ADHD and social communication, this show goes beyond basic advice. Each episode features candid conversations with self-advocates, educators, mental health professionals, and teens themselves – all unmasking the myths and pressures around “fitting in.”
Whether you’re navigating social expectations, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how we connect in a complex world, Unmasking Social is here to empower you with strategies that align with our core values: empathy, curiosity, and self-acceptance.
🌟 Launching this summer. Hit follow and join the conversation!
Sharon's Linkedin:
Subscribe on Sharon's Instagram:
Instagram
Unmasking Social YouTube Channel:
Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0pJUS1hby5UtO7EAttixiA?si=882eba9b095c4db5
Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unmasking-social/id1822086192
Episodes
31 episodes
30: Social Campfires: Real-World Social Learning in the Great Outdoors with Renee Attaway Storer
In this episode, we talk with Renee Attaway Storer, a speech-language pathologist and long-time collaborator with Social Thinking, whose passion for social learning began during her years at The Parish School in Houston. Renee went on to open u...
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Episode 30
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48:30
29: Celebrating Autistic Pride with a Global advocate and mother: Rebeeca Tarrant
In this week’s conversation, Sharon sits down with Rebecca Tarrant in a poignant episode of celebration. Rebecca is a Global Ambassador for Autistic Youth International (formerly Autistic Pride) who has made a great impact on Autism and acc...
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Episode 29
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51:37
28: Autism Without Borders: Stephen Shore’s Global Advocacy
In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation of Unmasking Social, Dr. Stephen Shore, an international autism advocate, professor, and author, explores autism through a global lens. Drawing on his experiences traveling to more than 58 countrie...
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Episode 28
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59:42
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27: Surviving Trauma, Supporting Others with the PTSD SLP: Rachel Archambault
In 2018, Rachel was working as an SLP at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a traumatic event occurred at her workplace that drew international attention. I had been hoping to bring Rachel onto the podcast for quite...
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Episode 27
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1:03:24
26: Changing the Narrative: Autism Advocacy in Pakistan with Sunnia Khan
In this episode of Unmasking Social, Sharon Baum sits down with Sunnia Khan, a psychologist and advocate working in Pakistan and internationally, to explore the realities facing neurodivergent children, teens, and families. Sunnia shares how st...
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Episode 26
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58:39
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25: Alignment: Choosing What Chooses Me (A New Year Reflection)
In this solo New Year’s episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum, MA CCC-SLP, reflects on the journey from unmasking to alignment.After a year of deep conversations about neurodivergence, identity, community, and bel...
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Episode 25
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17:52
24: Sensory Awareness as the Foundation for Connection with Jessie Ginsburg
In this episode, I’m joined by Jessie Ginsburg, widely known as The Sensory SLP. Together, we dig deep into the needs of neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens by reframing sensory regulation as the foundation for social con...
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Episode 24
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49:58
23: Fishing for Social Behaviors: Reframing The Knowledge Deficit with Steph West
Sharon Baum sits down with fellow speech-language pathologist and behavior analyst Steph West, founder of Starfish Social Club.Steph brings a rare and powerful lens to her work—one that thoughtfully bridges the neurotypical and neurodive...
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Episode 23
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59:24
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22: Finding Your Path: Transitions and Supports with Dr. Cole Denisen
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Cole Denisen, whose journey is a true testament to grit and perseverance. As the first in his generation to attend college, Cole navigated the teen and tween years with minimal preparation or programming, often...
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Episode 22
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52:47
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21: The Heart of Connection: Understanding DIR/Floortime with ICDL CEO Jeffrey Guenzel
In this episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel, CEO of the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), to explore the power of the DIR/Floortime approach in supporting autistic and neu...
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Episode 21
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59:47
Unmasking Political Advocacy : Charlie Keeble on Autism, Advocacy, and Finding Your Voice
I sit down with autistic political activist Charlie Keeble to explore what it means to speak out in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergent voices. Charlie shares his journey from being marginalized and bullied to becoming an outspoken...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:01:16
Beyond the Scores: Strengths and Stories with Neuropsych Marianne Diab
In this episode, Marianne Diab – neuropsychologist in Dubai supporting children and adolescents who may experience differences in skills development, learning, making friends, and adapting to the demands of daily life. Mariann's expertis...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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48:15
"A Father’s Voice, A Psychologist’s Mission with Dr. Robert Naseef
What happens when the family you envisioned doesn’t unfold the way you dreamed? Dr. Robert Naseef knows this journey deeply. As both a clinical psychologist and a father of an autistic son, he has walked the path from gri...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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38:24
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Beyond Parenting: Advocacy as a Lifelong Mission with Jenn Choi and Anne Cunningham
We all know that FAPE (a Free Appropriate Public Education) is mandated; however, many families hit a wall when they haven’t memorized every procedure or navigated the maze of red tape. That’s where voices like Jenn Choi and Anne Cunningham ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:28:00
Beyond Sensory Struggles: How Savannah Archer Helps Others Build Self-Regulation and Resilience
From an early age, Savannah Archer knew something felt different. She experienced sensory overload – especially around food textures – and quickly learned the importance of advocating for what she couldn’t tolerate.By findi...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:01:41
Hearing Beyond the Noise - Dr. Rae Stout on APD, AuDHD, and Connection
Dr. Rae Stout — an audiologist with AuDHD and the mother of two autistic children — shares why Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is so often overlooked and why early detection is crucial.She explores how APD, when combined with AuDHD, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:00:27
Beyond the Label - Livia on Autism, Eating, and Advocacy
Livia Sarah from Liv Label Free joins me for a powerful conversation about the intersection of eating disorders and autism. We explore the books on recovery she felt called to publish for those “peeking at the finish line but not there yet,” an...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:03:44
Social Sparks: Fueling Friendship and Confidence in Neurodivergent Youth with Lauren Greenwood
Sharon sits down with speech-language pathologist and creator Lauren Greenwood to explore practical, neuro-affirming ways to build social-communication confidence in kids and teens. Lauren shares the origin story of her SOCIALSPARK Conversation...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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46:31
Paws and Possibility: How Animals Help Neurodivergent Individuals Thrive with Dr. Aubrey Fine
In this heartfelt episode of Unmasking Social, Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to explore the powerful, therapeutic role of animals in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. From his own transformation- from a child terrified of animals to a researc...
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57:54
Through Their Eyes: Beyond the Categories for the 2E and Autistic Child with Nancy Tarshis
In this episode, Nancy Tarshis and I delve into the importance of seeing children as whole individuals—not just through the lens of labels.” Together, we explore the complex interplay of strengths and challenges faced by 2e and autistic childre...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:04:49
Unfiltered: An Autistic Mind in a Polarized Time
In this episode, Sharon Baum discusses the complexities of political conversations, especially in the context of teaching teens and tweens, particularly those with autism. She emphasizes the importance of navigating political discourse with...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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22:27
Rolling Through Disability Advocacy: Laszlo Jajczay of Friends with Wheels
In this episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum speaks with journalist and disability advocate Laszlo Jajczay about his experiences with social communication, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of advoc...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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46:27
Twice Exceptional and Twice Empowered: A Conversation with Mara McLoughlin
Mara McLoughlin’s journey as a twice-exceptional child shaped her passion for social communication. Personal experiences—supporting a parent with a traumatic brain injury and a partner with aphasia—deepened her commitment to helping others navi...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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53:40
The Power of Passion in Autism Advocacy with Dr Stephen Shore
In our latest episode, Dr. Stephen Shore shares his inspiring journey of turning personal interests into powerful advocacy. From his early fascination with watches to becoming a global voice for autism, Dr. Shore exemplifies how nurturing passi...
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Episode 7
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51:43
How Friendship Found Me: Spencer Ng’s Journey into Connection and Advocacy
Spencer Ng was misunderstood in his earlier years. His parents knew that something was wrong, but also knew his strengths. What started out as a push from the school system for a highly restrictive environment led to Spencer getting social supp...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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50:33