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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
Unmasking Social
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 navigate communication challenges.
In this episode, Mara shares how her path took her from Oregon to the Navajo Nation, working in schools where she witnessed the intersection of autism and mental health. Trained in the UCLA PEERS® program, she now blends evidence-based tools with yoga-informed mindfulness, interoception, and somatic practices to support both students and parents.
With 15+ years as an SLP and 30 years as a somatic educator, Mara brings a neurodivergent-affirming, holistic approach to her work—and a vision of inclusivity as the norm, not the exception.
You can find Mara at:
IRL.com | YouTube: IRL | email: mara@irlsocialskills.com
Follow Unmasking Social at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1
YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube