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. 40: Gifted Isn’t Easy: Mark Talaga on Talent, Pressure & Potential

    APR 24

    40: Gifted Isn’t Easy: Mark Talaga on Talent, Pressure & Potential

    In this episode of Unmasking Social, I speak with Mark Talaga about his journey from professional gaming to counseling gifted and neurodivergent youth. We explore asynchronous development, emotional intensity, and why giftedness is about far more than intelligence alone; often the struggles are invisible. Mark shares why authentic connection matters more than behavior correction, the risks of labels, and how family dynamics is integral to building confidence and identity. We also discuss helping gifted teens move beyond fear of success or failure to build lives grounded in purpose and self-acceptance. You can follow Mark Talaga and learn more through Center for Identity Potential, where he serves as owner/director and provides counseling, coaching, and support for gifted, asynchronous, and complex individuals and families. https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    49 min
  2. 39: Speech Time Fun: What Adolescents Need With Hallie Sherman

    APR 19

    39: Speech Time Fun: What Adolescents Need With Hallie Sherman

    In this episode of Unmasking Social, I sit down with Hallie Sherman, founder of Speech Time Fun, to talk about what happens when speech and language therapy truly meets teens and tweens where they are. Hallie shares why so many middle and high school students disengage from therapy, and how honoring their interests, voice, and goals can completely change the experience. We explore how making therapy fun is directly related to building connection, establishing relevance, and supporting motivation. Hallie discusses practical ways SLPs can build buy-in, create age-respectful sessions, and let students help guide what meaningful progress looks like for them. Hallie also shares her inspiring journey from school-based clinician to full-time entrepreneur, creating resources and professional development for SLPs nationwide after recognizing a major gap in materials for adolescents. This conversation is packed with insight for therapists, educators, and anyone supporting older neurodivergent and neurotypical students. You can follow Hallie on SLP Elevate Membership and on Instagram at Hallie Sherman 💜 speech 💜 SLP (@speechtimefun) • Instagram photos and videos. You can by her book: The Secondary SLP Roadmap: Motivating Students to Crush their Speech and Language Goals: Sherman, Hallie: 9781394301713: Amazon.com: Books. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    44 min
  3. 38: A Social Exodus: What Passover Really Means Now

    APR 4

    38: A Social Exodus: What Passover Really Means Now

    Passover tells a story about freedom. But how many Jews left Egypt? Why did so many fear the comfort of leaving slavery? Liberation always comes at a cost - leaning into the discomfort of the newness of it ALL. In this solo episode, I reflect on the idea of a modern-day exodus- not from a physical place, but from patterns, expectations, and internal narratives that takes away our peace in exchange for "fitting in." Because leaving isn’t always clean. Growth doesn’t always feel good. And freedom? It can feel uncomfortable BEFORE it feels right. This episode explores:  What “leaving Egypt” can look like in everyday life  Why growth can feel messy, slow, or even not viewable The tension between where you are and where you think you should be  How different social experiences can shape our sense of freedom and belonging Discomfort in leaving "Egypt" can be a positive "discomfort"Feeling behind can keep you feeling "shackled" and interrupt moving forwardPassover isn’t just about looking back.  It’s about noticing what you might be ready to leave… and what you’re still learning to step into.  Freedom isn’t always a moment. Sometimes, it’s a process you’re still in. You’re not behind; you might just be in your own version of the exodus. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    19 min
  4. 37: Boundaries That Build Connection with Jillian Bober

    MAR 28

    37: Boundaries That Build Connection with Jillian Bober

    Boundaries don’t start with rules- they start with the language we use. In this episode of Unmasking Social, we’re joined by parent coach Jillian Bober, a SEIT, Kindergarten teacher and parent coach at Coachable Change. She brings a grounded and compassionate lens to setting boundaries, creating structure, and supporting children in a way that actually feels safe and sustainable. Jillian shares how clear limits, paired with specific and consistent language between parents and children, become a powerful gateway to setting and maintaining those boundaries. We explore how this approach reduces overwhelm while building trust, especially for children who struggle with regulation, flexibility, and attention. Jilian also reflects on how her own experience with ADHD shapes the way she shows up for families, offering both empathy and practical strategies.  This conversation highlights the balance between holding boundaries and maintaining connection, and what it really looks like to create a home environment where kids can feel secure, understood, and capable. To follow Jillian:  https://coachable-change.squarespace.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coachable.change/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    1h 4m
  5. 36: Autism, Strength, and Proving People Wrong with Logan Ng

    MAR 20

    36: Autism, Strength, and Proving People Wrong with Logan Ng

    In this episode, Logan shares his journey from being underestimated because of his autism to building his own path as an entrepreneur in the video game world. He opens up about what it felt like when others assumed he had limited abilities, how those messages affected him, and what helped him keep going even when the path forward was not easy. His message is consistently about getting back up and that failure makes you stronger, once you get back up. We talk about resilience, self-belief, communication, and the determination it takes to prove people wrong without losing yourself in the process. Logan’s story is a powerful reminder that autism is nuanced and holds a world of brilliant and creative minds, and that being misunderstood early on does not mean someone cannot lead, create, and succeed.  This conversation will resonate with autistic teens and adults, families, and professionals who want to better understand the impact of low expectations and the power of persistence. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    53 min
  6. 35: Screens, Dopamine, and the ADHD Brain with Michael McLeoud

    MAR 13

    35: Screens, Dopamine, and the ADHD Brain with Michael McLeoud

    In this candid episode of Unmasking Social , Michael McLeoud, an ADHD and executive functioning spalist, who has devoted his professional time to a broader mission of supporting families and children with ADHD/AuDHD by always keeping it honest. The hard truths are explored in this episode where Michael tells us how dopamines hits executive functioning, debilitating this system that is dysregulated when someone has ADHD.  In 2016, Michael created the Internal Skills Executive Function Strengthening Model, and GrowNOW ADHD was born. His mission: improve quality of life for youth and families facing ADHD and executive function challenges. Mike has presented this model to audiences nationwide and internationally, providing specialized support in ADHD, Executive Functioning, Social Executive Functioning, and Parent Coaching. With more than 20 years of experience, a Master’s degree from Lehman College, and collaborations with leading doctors, neuropsychologists, and nonprofits, Mike blends deep expertise with a practical, strength-based model that gets results. To follow/ reach out to Michael: ADHD Executive Function Coaching | GrowNOW ADHD Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    54 min
  7. 34. Opening Up About My OCD (With My Friend Sharon) - Guest Appearance on Liv Label Free

    MAR 8

    34. Opening Up About My OCD (With My Friend Sharon) - Guest Appearance on Liv Label Free

    This episode originally aired on Liv Label Free hosted by Livia Sara.  In this vulnerable episode, Liv opens up about how her OCD has resurfaced since moving back home. Liv and Sharon also discuss how traditional treatments for OCD and eating disorders fail neurodivergent people when the approach isn’t person-centered. To connect with Liv: Contact Liv Label Free and Autism and anorexia books – Liv Label Free Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    47 min
  8. 33: Unmasked and Included at Kiara: Perth’s Approach in Higher Education with Maureen Nguyen

    MAR 1

    33: Unmasked and Included at Kiara: Perth’s Approach in Higher Education with Maureen Nguyen

    In this episode of Unmasking Social, Sharon sits down with Maureen Nguyen- a lifelong math teacher whose path has led her into meaningful work supporting neurodivergent college students in Perth, Australia. Maureen works at Kiara College, a specialized college uniquely embedded within a neurotypical university, where inclusion isn’t an add-on- it’s the heartbeat of the campus. What truly sets Kiara College apart is its strengths-based model, consistent flexibility, and responsiveness to student advocacy with students who are in communities that don't have access to the resources that others do. Programs and supports evolve alongside students’ interests, honoring interests and growth rather than rigid expectations. Just as powerful is the role of families: parents are centered in the process and supported through shared community, recognizing that navigating the college years impacts caregivers too. While Maureen will always love math, her passion for neurodivergence has become her daily mission. After witnessing how many neurodivergent children and young adults were underserved in Perth, she committed herself to spreading inclusive, strengths-affirming practices- locally and globally, making sure that those who are in underserved communities do not get left behind. This conversation is a hopeful look at what’s possible when inclusion, advocacy, and belief in neurodivergent potential lead the way. To follow Maureen's work, go to Kiara College – Respect, Responsibility, Effort and Excellence. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube

    41 min
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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
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unmasking Social
  • Show Website
    Unmasking Social