Podcast
Unmasking Social
Hosted by Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP · EN
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!
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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
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
32: The Power of a Guide: Mentorship and Interdependence in Autism Support with Tara Trievel
Feb 2500:55:15Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of Unmasking Social, Tara Trievel — special educator, autism specialist, and parent coach — joins us for a powerful conversation about how to best support parents of autistic teens and tweens while balancing the evolving needs of their children. Tara explores how parental expectations, environmental modifications, and collaboration across home, school, and community can create a more connected support system for autistic high school and college students. She emphasizes the importance of guiding young people toward interdependence rather than independence, reminding listeners that meaningful growth happens when we lead with mentorship and teamwork.Tara also reframes the concept of “unmasking,” sharing that it’s not about tearing the mask off entirely — but rather, understanding the transitions between masks and how context shapes authentic self-expression. You can follow Tara on her website https://www.2besocial.org/coachingforsuccess or on instagram and tiktok.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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31: Hold On Tight: Parenting and Advocating Through Autism and OCD with Jan Stewart
Feb 1100:51:25Tap to summarizeJan Stewart is a passionate advocate for the autism and OCD communities whose voice is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and unwavering perseverance. In this heartfelt episode, Jan shares her deeply personal journey as a parent raising children with neurodivergent needs, including autism, OCD, ADHD, and multiple disabilities.Drawing from years of advocacy, collaboration with educators, and navigating complex systems, Jan offers powerful insights into the importance of partnership, communication, and persistence in supporting neurodivergent children. As the author of Hold on Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness, Jan has helped countless families feel seen and validated, acknowledging both the profound challenges and meaningful triumphs of parenting children with diverse needs.Throughout the conversation, Jan provides practical, experience-based strategies for building effective communication with educators, fostering collaborative relationships, and creating supportive environments that prepare children for their own level of independence. She also speaks honestly about the emotional journey of parenthood — highlighting the importance of self-care, maintaining personal identity, and finding strength while supporting a child with complex needs.Jan currently chairs the Board at Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Canada’s largest autism services provider, and is a member of the IOCDF/Canada task force that is working to enhance resources and collaboration across the country. She was previously Vice Chair at Canada’s leading psychiatric hospital CAMH and served on the Parent Advisory Board at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Neuropsychopharmacology. She has presented at multiple IOCDF and autism conferences and events and has written regularly for Today’s Parent, Autism Parenting Magazine, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine and the IOCDF Newsletter, among others. Jan spent the majority of her career as a senior Partner with the global executive search firm Egon Zehnder.Jan’s work as a parent advocate, author, and community voice continues to empower families to stay connected, informed, and hopeful.To connect with Jan, you can reach her through Sharon Baum at sbaum.k@gmail.com.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube
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