Unmasking Social

Twice Exceptional and Twice Empowered: A Conversation with Mara McLoughlin


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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 evidence-based tools with yoga-informed mindfulness, interoception, and somatic practices to support both students and parents.

With 15+ years as an SLP and 30 years as a somatic educator, Mara brings a neurodivergent-affirming, holistic approach to her work—and a vision of inclusivity as the norm, not the exception.

You can find Mara at:
IRL.com | YouTube: IRL | email: [email protected]

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Unmasking SocialBy Sharon Baum, MA, CCC-SLP