Unmasking Social

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Unmasking Social

Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP

25 episodes

1 week ago

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessie Ginsburg, widely known as The Sensory SLP. Together, we dig deep into the needs of neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens by reframing sensory regulation as the foundation for social connection. We explore what it means to be under stimulated and overstimulated, why regulation must come before communication, and how essential it is for adults to regulate ourselves before attempting to regulate others. Jessie emphasizes the critical importance of truly...

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Language Learning

All content for Unmasking Social is the property of Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessie Ginsburg, widely known as The Sensory SLP. Together, we dig deep into the needs of neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens by reframing sensory regulation as the foundation for social connection. We explore what it means to be under stimulated and overstimulated, why regulation must come before communication, and how essential it is for adults to regulate ourselves before attempting to regulate others. Jessie emphasizes the critical importance of truly...

Show more...

Language Learning

Episodes (20/25)

Unmasking Social

25: Alignment: Choosing What Chooses Me (A New Year Reflection)

In this solo New Year’s episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum, MA CCC-SLP, reflects on the journey from unmasking to alignment. After a year of deep conversations about neurodivergence, identity, community, and belonging all through the lens of social, Sharon pauses to look inward and reflect. She shares why her word for the new year is alignment, and what it means to live, work, and connect in ways that feel congruent rather than performative. This episode is an invitation to slow do...

6 days ago

17 minutes

Unmasking Social

24: Sensory Awareness as the Foundation for Connection with Jessie Ginsburg

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessie Ginsburg, widely known as The Sensory SLP. Together, we dig deep into the needs of neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens by reframing sensory regulation as the foundation for social connection. We explore what it means to be under stimulated and overstimulated, why regulation must come before communication, and how essential it is for adults to regulate ourselves before attempting to regulate others. Jessie emphasizes the critical importance of truly...

1 week ago

49 minutes

Unmasking Social

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, s...

2 weeks ago

59 minutes

Unmasking Social

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 ...

2 weeks ago

52 minutes

Unmasking Social

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 ...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Unmasking Social

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 identit...

1 month ago

1 hour 1 minute

Unmasking Social

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 – i...

1 month ago

48 minutes

Unmasking Social

"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, an...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Unmasking Social

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 emp...

1 month ago

1 hour 28 minutes

Unmasking Social

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: ...

2 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Unmasking Social

Hearing Beyond the Noise - Dr. Rae Stout on APD, AuDHD, and Connection

Dr. Rae Stout — an audiologist with AuDHD and the mother of two autistic children — shares why Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is so often overlooked and why early detection is crucial. She explores how APD, when combined with AuDHD, can create an “avalanche” effect that impacts access to social connections. Dr. Rae takes us on a poignant journey through her own years of being misunderstood — from her early attempts to join the ASL community to eventually finding her tribe. She dives dee...

2 months ago

1 hour

Unmasking Social

Beyond the Label - Livia on Autism, Eating, and Advocacy

Livia Sarah from Liv Label Free joins me for a powerful conversation about the intersection of eating disorders and autism. We explore the books on recovery she felt called to publish for those “peeking at the finish line but not there yet,” and how her later autism diagnosis became the missing puzzle piece that explained why classic eating disorder recovery approaches didn’t work for her. Livia shares how advocacy - through her Instagram platform and community - gave her and so many of her f...

2 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Unmasking Social

Social Sparks: Fueling Friendship and Confidence in Neurodivergent Youth with Lauren Greenwood

Sharon sits down with speech-language pathologist and creator Lauren Greenwood to explore practical, neuro-affirming ways to build social-communication confidence in kids and teens. Lauren shares the origin story of her SOCIALSPARK Conversation Picture Cards, why these portable and context-specific visual scaffolds reduce cognitive load while maximizing social attention, and how “small talk” and small moments can turn into greater connections with others. They discuss the importance of social...

2 months ago

46 minutes

Unmasking Social

Paws and Possibility: How Animals Help Neurodivergent Individuals Thrive with Dr. Aubrey Fine

In this heartfelt episode of Unmasking Social, Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to explore the powerful, therapeutic role of animals in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. From his own transformation- from a child terrified of animals to a research pioneer in animal-assisted interventions - Dr. Fine offers insight into how the four-legged and two-legged connection can foster social connection in our ND's. Together, we unpack the science behind the human-animal bond, its impact on anxiety, socia...

3 months ago

57 minutes

Unmasking Social

Through Their Eyes: Beyond the Categories for the 2E and Autistic Child with Nancy Tarshis

In this episode, Nancy Tarshis and I delve into the importance of seeing children as whole individuals—not just through the lens of labels.” Together, we explore the complex interplay of strengths and challenges faced by 2e and autistic children, and why it’s essential to go beyond diagnostic categories to truly understand and support them. Nancy's journey from social skills to social thinking was transformative and led her to become not only an educator but a trainer on how to authentically ...

3 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Unmasking Social

Unfiltered: An Autistic Mind in a Polarized Time

In this episode, Sharon Baum discusses the complexities of political conversations, especially in the context of teaching teens and tweens, particularly those with autism. She emphasizes the importance of navigating political discourse without falling into black and white thinking, advocating for the embrace of shades of gray. The conversation highlights the need for authentic discussions, the value of teachable moments, and the preparation of students for future advocacy roles. Baum encoura...

3 months ago

22 minutes

Unmasking Social

Rolling Through Disability Advocacy: Laszlo Jajczay of Friends with Wheels

In this episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum speaks with journalist and disability advocate Laszlo Jajczay about his experiences with social communication, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of advocacy in the disability community. Laszlo shares insights from his podcast, Friends with Wheels, and discusses the transition from high school to college for neurodivergent students, the current state of disability rights, and the impact of mental health ...

3 months ago

46 minutes

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 ...

4 months ago

53 minutes

Unmasking Social

The Power of Passion in Autism Advocacy with Dr Stephen Shore

In our latest episode, Dr. Stephen Shore shares his inspiring journey of turning personal interests into powerful advocacy. From his early fascination with watches to becoming a global voice for autism, Dr. Shore exemplifies how nurturing passions can lead to profound personal and societal impact. His emphasis on embracing your unique interests as a pathway to growth, and challenges are always an opportunity for growth. This growth allows anyone who is autistic to find their joy. You can find...

4 months ago

51 minutes

Unmasking Social

How Friendship Found Me: Spencer Ng’s Journey into Connection and Advocacy

Spencer Ng was misunderstood in his earlier years. His parents knew that something was wrong, but also knew his strengths. What started out as a push from the school system for a highly restrictive environment led to Spencer getting social supports in a supportive program, which led him to thrive in high school. From the development of friendships and developing a tribe, Spencer started finding meaning in school beyond academics. It is the connections with others that allow him to face each d...

4 months ago

50 minutes