Unmasking Social

Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Language Learning

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:  (1) Feed | 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 

  1. 48: The Bright Light of Maddie: A Conversation on Youth Mental Health With Chris Coulter

    4d ago

    48: The Bright Light of Maddie: A Conversation on Youth Mental Health With Chris Coulter

    In this heartfelt episode, Chris Coulter shares the raw truth behind his inspiring journey of advocacy after losing his daughter Maddie to suicide. He reflects on the warning signs parents and professionals often miss, the importance of trusting your gut instincts, and how we can help families and employers recognize when something is off before it becomes a crisis. The conversation also explores the power of emotional intelligence, the need for safe environments, and why listening without rushing to "fix it" can make all the difference. Chris’s story is a call to action for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to support our teens with more compassion, connection, and care; allowing them to seek connection through the right guide. To get in touch with Chris   THE MENTOR WELL | Empower Young Minds Today How are you feeling? Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    58 min
  2. 47: Back by Popular Demand: College Transition Strategies with Lorraine Wolf & Jane Thierfeld Brown

    Jun 21

    47: Back by Popular Demand: College Transition Strategies with Lorraine Wolf & Jane Thierfeld Brown

    🎓 Special Re-Release Episode As summer begins and students prepare for the transition from high school to college, we're bringing back one of the most important conversations from the archives. Whether you're an incoming college student, a parent, educator, or clinician, the transition to college involves much more than academics. Success often depends on executive functioning, self-advocacy, independence, social connection, and knowing which supports to access and when. That's why we're revisiting this valuable discussion with Lorraine Wolf and Jane Thierfeld Brown, nationally recognized experts in college transition, disability support, and helping students navigate life after high school. In this episode, we discuss:  Self-advocacy and disability accommodations in college  Executive functioning demands beyond high school  Building independence and daily living skills  Navigating social life and campus involvement  Common transition challenges for our neurodivergent students Although this conversation originally aired previously, the insights remain as incredibly relevant. As students head into the summer before college, now is the perfect time to begin thinking about the skills that support smoother transitions. If you know a student preparing for college this fall, consider sharing this episode with them and their family.  https://collegeautismspectrum.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 12m
  3. 46: Solo: The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever

    Jun 15

    46: Solo: The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever

    In this heartfelt solo episode, I dive deep into the heart of a silent crisis impacting teens, tweens, adults, and entire communities - loneliness. It's not just about being alone; it's about feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected even amidst a sea of people. The invisibility.  You will hear about practical insights will move you to re-evaluate how we connect and care for one another. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    23 min
  4. 45: Authentic Connection and Mental Health: What Neurodivergent Adults Need to Thrive: With Dr. Daniel Wendler

    Jun 5

    45: Authentic Connection and Mental Health: What Neurodivergent Adults Need to Thrive: With Dr. Daniel Wendler

    In this episode with Dr. Daniel Wendler , we dive deeply into the world of mental health and authentic connections. Dr. Daniel Wendler is a proudly autistic clinical psychologist, two-time TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and workplace mental health expert. He combines  hisclinical expertise with personal lived experience to help audiences better understand neurodivergent burnout, mental wellness, and human connection in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. He shares his own love story of meeting his current wife who has ADHD, and how the overlap brings thim closer together with a deeper understanding of one another.  Prepare for a raw, honest discussion on building confidence, overcoming the shackles of learned helplessness navigating support, and fostering genuine relationship in both the personal and professional domains. To Follow  Dr. Daniel: https://www.danielwendler.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 3m
  5. 44: Understanding Fear Through Psychiatry, Neurology, and Storytelling: With Dr. Randolph Schiffer

    May 29

    44: Understanding Fear Through Psychiatry, Neurology, and Storytelling: With Dr. Randolph Schiffer

    In this deeply emotional and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Randolph Schiffer, neurologist, psychiatrist, author and former founding director of the Cleveland Clinic Centre for Brain Health.and  shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Vietnam War to becoming a pioneering neurologist, psychiatrist, and advocate for resilience, responsibility, and ultimately courage. Through personal stories, reflections on medicine, and powerful insights into human behavior, Dr. Schiffer explores how courage is developed, and why facing fear, grief, and vulnerability is essential for both personal growth and compassionate leadership. This episode is a profound conversation about living through fear by facing it, while raising emotionally resilient children in an increasingly complex world. To follow Dr. Schiffer's work: https://randolphbschiffer.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-That-Terrify-Children/dp/1738339440 Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    51 min
  6. 43: Breaking Down Apraxia: The Power of Research, Treatment, and Voice with Nicole Kolenda

    May 22

    43: Breaking Down Apraxia: The Power of Research, Treatment, and Voice with Nicole Kolenda

    Nicole Kolenda (Lead SLP DTTC Treatment Research and Adjunct Professor) joins us for a powerful conversation exploring the world of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), from groundbreaking research and evidence-based treatment approaches to the deeper impact communication has on every aspect of our life. Throughout the episode, Nicole shares how her passion for apraxia evolved over more than 24 years in the field and offers an inside look at the innovative work happening at the NYU Motor Speech Lab. We discuss the importance of structured research protocols, motor-based assessment, and evidence-based intervention, including the Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cueing (DTTC) approach developed by Dr. Edith Strand. Nicole also breaks down how clinicians can differentiate apraxia from other speech disorders using tools like DEMS and ProCAD, while explaining the critical connection between speech motor planning and principles of motor learning.   The episode closes with an inspiring discussion about Nicole’s podcast, Voice for Possibilities, and the power of storytelling and advocacy, while empowering women through communication. To follow Nicole Kolenda and her work: Nicole Kolenda - Voice for Possibility | Nicole Kolenda People | NYU Motor Speech Lab Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 9m
  7. 42: From Uganda to Unmasking Social with Enachu "Frederick" Edmos

    May 15

    42: From Uganda to Unmasking Social with Enachu "Frederick" Edmos

    Dive into the powerful story of  Enachu "Frederick" Edmos, a true changemaker from Lira City, Uganda. From childhood struggles, orphanhood, and witnessing the suffering of children with autism and disabilities  in the refugee campe in Northern Uganda, he’s on a mission to revolutionize education and societal perceptions. This episode sparks a call for action, ecause every child deserves a space to learn, grow, and excel to their full potential. In this episode we take a mote broader look at: The birth of Uganda’s first inclusive school for children with autism and vulnerabilitiesChallenges in mindset change and overcoming cultural myths about disabilitiesHow poverty and food scarcity impact care and access to health services for children with disabilities To follow Frederick's ongoing project: https://www.purefuganda.org/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    44 min
  8. 41: Literacy, Executive Functioning, and Neurodivergence - An Honest Conversation with Jenn Volpe, SLP

    May 8

    41: Literacy, Executive Functioning, and Neurodivergence - An Honest Conversation with Jenn Volpe, SLP

    Tune in for an emotional, eye-opening journey with two passionate  (and funny) professionals breaking down the complexities of literacy, executive functioning, and what it truly means to support neurodivergent learners. This episode is raw, real, and packed with insights you need to hear. If you're tired of surface-level advice, this conversation with Jennifer Volpe, a speech and language pathologist who owns Speak, Learn and Play (formerly Manner of Speaking) in Park, Slope Brooklyn  is what you have been waiting for, In this episode: Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from NYC public schools to private practice, revealing how her experiences shaped her understanding of literacy and executive functioning.Investigating how social, emotional, and neurobiological factors intersect with literacy struggles.Why phonics and systematic instruction are mandatory, and the challenges they pose when they are missing.The role of executive functions like working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in reading and comprehension.The dangers of broad diagnoses and overpathologizing, and the impact of system shrtcomings.Practical strategies to support reading for kids and teens, including text structure, visualizations, and question-first approaches.The power of peer support, emotional regulation, and real-life skills for lifelong success.A call to action for trauma-informed, and neuro-ffirming education. To connect with Jenn: https://www.speaklearnandplay.com Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 21m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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:  (1) Feed | 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 

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unmasking Social
  • Show Website
    Unmasking Social

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