Unmasking Social

In 2018, Rachel was working as an SLP at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a traumatic event occurred at her workplace that drew international attention. I had been hoping to bring Rachel onto the podcast for quite some time, as trauma-informed care has always felt foundational to me in any type of therapy- especially speech and language.

In this episode, Rachel shares how her lived experience shaped her work as “the PTSD SLP” and deepened her commitment to trauma-informed practice. the episode is rooted in practical strategies that all of us can implement immediately—from the language we use, to how we check in with students, to how we learn about triggers and intentionally create comfort and safety for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, especially during the formative teen and tween years where trauma often finds itself expressed in nuanced ways.

Rachel emphasizes that trauma-informed care must be preventative, not reactive. As educators and clinicians, we all share responsibility for reducing harm and creating spaces where communication feels safe. Rachel is doing this work on a larger scale through her ongoing trainings, ensuring that trauma-informed practices reach as many professionals in education as possible. The good news? People are receptive-and “trauma-informed” is no longer just a buzzword, but a framework many are finally beginning to understand and embrace in the education field at large.

To find Rachel, visit Professional Trauma-Informed Care | Neurodivergent SLP & Advocacy or go to her Instagram (1) Instagram.

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In this episode of Unmasking Social, Sharon Baum sits down with Sunnia Khan, a psychologist and advocate working in Pakistan and internationally, to explore the realities facing neurodivergent children, teens, and families. Sunnia shares how stigma and shame often force neurodivergent individuals to remain at home and out of sight in her country, leaving them extremely vulnerable and without access to essential inclusive supports. These cultural barriers prevent families from seeking help and delay meaningful intervention during critical developmental years that would allow for these individuals to become independent. Sunnia discusses her strengths-based approach, rooted in the belief that fostering independence is the greatest gift a parent can give their child. She works not only with neurodivergent children, tweens, and teens, but also proves counseling to parents who carry the emotional weight of societal judgment. By validating each family and leading with compassion, Sunnia helps caregivers move past shame and begin to see their child’s strengths, potential, and right to support.

As a mother herself, Sunnia is courageously speaking up to challenge systems that remain far behind and under-resourced. While she acknowledges that change is slow, she remains hopeful that the culture she is deeply connected to will continue to move toward inclusion. Her work is a powerful reminder that advocacy and empathy can rewrite the future of neurodivergence in places with limited resources in Pakistan and beyond. Sunnia Kahn can be found through a simple google search, on linked in, or on instagram. To get in touch or follow Sunnia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnia-khan-4a2510180/ or https://www.instagram.com/khansunnia?igsh=eHE2aTZ0cnUzZ2N6

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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 down, listen to your nervous system, and consider where you may be forcing yourself into spaces that no longer fit. It also encourages those listening to surround themselves with people and spaces where they do fit.

If you’re entering the new year feeling reflective, cautious, or quietly hopeful, this conversation is for you. The year of the horse is galloping in, and we all have a seat with those stirrups by our side - anchored.

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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 meeting children where they are so they can remain grounded and regulated without being burdened by social or communication demands that exceed their nervous system’s capacity.

When regulation is in place, authentic social connection becomes possible. This conversation also highlights why supporting neurodivergent individuals requires a village of collaborators, including families, educators, therapists, and communities, all working together to help our loved ones feel safe, supported, and understood.

 You can follow Jessie Ginsburg and her work as The Sensory SLP on Instagram at @sensoryslp for practical, neuro-affirming strategies that support regulation and connection. You can also follow her and her practice on Jessie Ginsburg where she shares a wealth of information on all things sensory.

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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.

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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.

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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/.

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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

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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/

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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/

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