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. 23: Fishing for Social Behaviors: Reframing The Knowledge Deficit with Steph West

    18H AGO

    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 neurodivergent worlds through choice. Rather than teaching conformity, she supports clients with social-pragmatic challenges with defining their own social goals - while understanding how neurotypical peers may be interpreting a situation. Her work centers autonomy, self-awareness, and informed decision-making without any pressure to mask or perform. Sharon and Steph also open up about their own lived experiences with ADHD and reflect on the realities faced by teens and tweens with AuDHD who are navigating sensory regulation, executive functioning, and increasingly complex social expectations. Together, they explore how internal regulation and external demands so often collide; and how clinicians can support students without pathologizing them. Grounded in behavioral learning theory, Steph’s approach emphasizes learning over judgment. She invites us to look at behavior not as a measure of compliance or performance, but as information. Through observation of social scenes, reflection on others, and insight into the self, Steph empowers neurodivergent youth to establish, commit to, and revisit social goals that genuinely matter to them. You can follow and learn from Steph's work on (4) Instagram, and on her website https://www.starfishsocialclub.org/. Her book can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Social-Skills-Canceled-Autism-Anxiety/dp/B0FGL9YQY2. Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    59 min
  2. 22: Finding Your Path: Transitions and Supports with Dr. Cole Denisen

    5D AGO

    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 feeling that something was off socially but without a clear understanding of why, as he received a later autism diagnosis that helped make sense of his experiences. Through determination and resilience, he turned perceived failures into milestones of success. Today, Cole works with students at Landmark College in Massachusetts, a specialized college for autistic learners, providing the supports he once needed. He also hosts a podcast about the college experience, sharing insights and guidance for students navigating higher education. Together, we explore how to find the right resources, navigate transitions, and build a community where every student can thrive. You can reach Dr. Denisen at https://www.theneurodivergentscholar.com/about/from-the-margins. Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    53 min
  3. 21: The Heart of Connection: Understanding DIR/Floortime with ICDL CEO Jeffrey Guenzel

    DEC 9

    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 neurodivergent individuals. The conversation looks deeply into yhe foundations of human development, emphasizing that it all begins with relationships and meaningful emotional connections. Jeffrey discusses the crucial distinction between development and learning, reminding us that true growth is not just about acquiring knowledge or skills - it’s about deepening the capacity for emotional and social connection. Together, they examine how the DIR/Floortime framework supports teens and tweens in building these capacities by meeting them where they are - through joy, curiosity, and authentic engagement. The discussion also highlights the value of a transdisciplinary approach, where therapists and professionals collaborate to address the whole person rather than isolated challenges. By focusing on sensory regulation, emotional understand.   To learn more about ICDL and Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel, https://www.icdl.com/ or follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/icdl_dirfloortime/. Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1 hr
  4. Unmasking Political Advocacy : Charlie Keeble on Autism, Advocacy, and Finding Your Voice

    DEC 2

    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 advocate on issues that matter - not just to him, but to the broader autistic community. We dive into the complexities of navigating politics as a neurodivergent individual, how Charlie channels his passions into purpose, and why embracing your identity fully and unapologetically is a radical act of self-advocacy. Through his activism, Charlie is not only changing the conversation about political advocacy but advocating for his own community and their right to self determination. Charlie can be followed on Instagram as well as on his website, where he has created many items to reflect his passions that can be purchased.  https://www.instagram.com/ac_keeble/ Website: Neurozion: https://www.neurozion.com/category/all-products ; representing the overlap between autism and Judaism. His book can be purchased on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Autistic-Conservative-Objectives-Charlie-Keeble-ebook/dp/B0D2SBG7PD Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 1m
  5. Beyond the Scores: Strengths and Stories with Neuropsych Marianne Diab

    NOV 25

    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 expertise lies in understanding and addressing the unique needs of young minds, from early childhood right through to late adolescence – and I explore what it truly means to look beyond numbers on a page. A neuropsychological evaluation isn’t just about test score – it’s about putting the pieces of the puzzle together to create a holistic picture of a child’s learning, thinking, and growth. We discuss how formal assessments and informal observations from classrooms, families, and daily life work together to give a complete understanding of a child. Alongside the data, we focus on psychoeducation for children and families, helping them translate results into real-life insights. We define what strengths really mean, discover strengths that testing alone might miss, and explore how challenges manifest in everyday life. We highlight the importance of empowering every voice at the table, so parents, educators, and children all understand how their brains work differentl – explaining it all beyond clinical jargon. Through sharing stories and lived experiences, we bring the whole picture to life, showing how this knowledge can guide support and growth. You can follow Marianne on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariannediab.psychologist/ and on her website https://mariannediab.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    48 min

  6. NOV 18

    "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 grief and uncertainty to acceptance, joy, and advocacy. In this episode of Unmasking Social, Dr. Naseef shares his personal journey as a father learning to embrace his son Tariq’s needs and strengths. He reflects on how fathers experience and express grief differently, and why making space for that grief is so important. He also speaks about how acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on dreams, but reshaping them in ways that allow for deeper connection. Importantly, Dr. Naseef had to think about Tariq first – what he needed, what would give him the best support, and how to ensure that support was safe and nurturing. We also talk about the role of love, vulnerability, and openness in parenting, and how these qualities helped transform his relationship with his son. As a clinical psychologist and a collaborator with the Neurodiversity Collective, Dr. Naseef brings both personal insight and professional expertise. Drawing from his TEDx talk, countless experiences, the development of programs and support groups, and books that reflect the ongoing journey, this episode shines a light on a father and family working to deepen their connection and love with an autistic child – now a young adult – who needs high supports. He reminds us that life may not always turn out the way we imagined, but it can still be full of meaning, purpose, and joy. Follow Dr. Naseef: https://drrobertnaseef.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    38 min

  7. NOV 11

    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 make all the difference. Jenn shares her story of raising two autistic children, leaving behind a successful career, and transforming her path into parent advocacy. Anne reflects on her pivot from education into advocacy, bringing her deep knowledge to empower families. Together, they shine a light on how parents can support their children—especially teens and tweens who are navigating transitions and in need of strong advocacy within the Westchester and NYC school systems. They also deeply understand the barriers of inequity in education and continuously work on projects to ensure their ideas impact all of special education—from Regents exams to the special education funding formula. Jenn and Anne are true firecrackers: empathetic, resourceful, and relentless in guiding families who may feel lost. They ensure that parents know their rights, find their voice, and never feel silenced in the process. Connect with Our Guests Follow Jenn Choi (NYC) Facebook: Jenn Choi Website: https://jennchoiadvocates.com/our-team/ Find Anne Cunningham (Westchester) Podcast: Family Therapist Connections https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-therapist-connections-the-podcast/id1752924856 Website: https://www.advocate4students.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 28m

  8. NOV 4

    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 finding the balance between following the rules and creating adaptations for herself, Savannah built a foundation of self-advocacy that has guided her ever since. Today, she connects with people across the world through Sav’s Life Skills, empowering others to self-regulate by: Understanding their internal experiencesSetting boundariesCoping with sensory overloadPracticing honesty with those around themSavannah also brings her professional background in criminal justice and trauma support into her work, creating a space where neurodivergent individuals feel seen, safe, and supported. Her ability to combine lived experience with trauma-informed practice gives her coaching and resources added depth and impact. It’s Savannah’s authenticity – choosing to show up as her true self – that has allowed her to reach thousands of neurodivergent people worldwide. She shares openly about moments of change, including leaving a senior director role at a major company when it no longer aligned with her values. Savannah’s story is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of living authentically. In this episode, she offers strategies, insights, and encouragement for anyone navigating sensory challenges, social expectations, and the journey toward self-acceptance. You can follow Savannah on savslifeskills.com and on Instagram @savvylifeskills Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 2m
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unmasking Social
  • Show Website
    Unmasking Social

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