Autism Unmasked
Everyone has a story. Every voice deserves to be heard. This podcast is dedicated to empowering autistic self-advocates by sharing valuable resources, amplifying lived experiences, and fostering a sense of community and understanding. Through a blend of expert insights and personal narratives, each episode explores topics that matter to autistic individuals navigating everyday life. Pull up a chair, let’s unmask it together.
Episodes
In this episode of Autism Unmasked, we sit down with Kate and Ryan Hooven, who provide autism-focused trainings to justice professionals across Pennsylvania. Together, we unpack what happens when autistic individuals interact with law enforcement and explore ways to better prepare, advocate, and stay informed.
This conversation covers:
- What autistic individuals and supporters should know before interacting with law enforcement ...
Reed and Michael talk about their shared love of cinema and the podcast they created together to explore films in depth. They discuss what makes movies meaningful to them, how podcasting helps them connect with others, and why storytelling through film feels like a natural form of self-expression.
Closing out our Self-Expression mini-series, this episode highlights how shared interests can build community and spark conversation.
John, a line cook with a passion for food, joins our hosts to talk about cooking as a form of self-expression. He shares how he got started in the kitchen, what he loves about the rhythm and structure of cooking, and how preparing meals for others can be both creative and rewarding.
This episode explores how everyday skills, like cooking, can become powerful ways to express identity, focus energy, and build confidence.
In this episode, Penny shares her love for drawing, sewing, and hands-on creativity. She talks about how making art and crafts helps her relax, express herself, and create things that feel meaningful and personal.
From textures and colors to the joy of finishing a project, Penny reminds us that creativity can be both calming and empowering.
In this special mini-series kickoff episode, Isabel talks with co-host Kel about puzzles, board games, and the important role special interests play in autistic identity and self-expression. Together, they explore how interests can bring comfort, focus, joy, and connection and talk about why celebrating them matters.
This conversation sets the stage for our April series by highlighting how self-expression can take many forms, from ...
What does it really mean to feel at home?
In this episode of Autism Unmasked, an autistic self-advocate shares their experience living in a group home and how it shaped their understanding of independence, routine, and belonging. We explore the realities of shared living environments and how housing needs and goals can change over time.
Have a question you want us to answer? Connect with us through our contact...
Emergency medical visits can feel overwhelming, especially for autistic individuals and their families. In this episode of Autism Unmasked, we talk with emergency physician Dr. Arvind Venkat about navigating emergency care, communication strategies in fast-paced medical settings, and preparing ahead of time. We also share advocacy tips and resources to help make emergency experiences more supportive and predictable.
The start of a new year often comes with pressure to change or reinvent ourselves, but what if January could be about curiosity instead of expectations?
In this episode of Autism Unmasked, we’re joined by two guests from All In Theatre, an all-inclusive theatre company creating accessible, welcoming spaces for people of all abilities. We talk with the founder of All In Theatre and a stage manager who is neurodivergent and a wheelch...
Join us this month as we dive into mental health challenges and autistic burnout and how community and connection can help individuals struggling with these challenges. We talk with 'She'EO of Spectrum Success 911, Michele Abraham-Montgomery and her son who is a Community Autistic Peer Specialist for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services about their personal and professional experiences with menta...
Content Warning: This episode of our podcast and posts related to it focus on eating disorders and restrictive eating.
In this episode, Unpacking Food and Fear: ARFID and the Autistic Experience, we talk with therapist Brittany Ashmore about ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), misconceptions around eating sensitivities, understanding why ARFID may occur and much more.
Join our hosts as they talk about friendship wins, struggles and finding connection. With guest, Jason Layton, a psychology student, our interview focuses on managing your social battery, creating connections in ways that feel comfortable to you and learning what social interactions you enjoy most.
If you are looking for more resources on creating friendships and finding connection, check out the links below or go to our website a...
Join us this month in talking about the autism diagnosis journey and what happens afterwards. We meet with psychiatrist, Dr. Keely Hirsch to discuss topics like, what the process looks like, common challenges, diagnostic tools and criteria, ways to be supportive as a family member or friend and more!
If you are looking for more resources on the diagnosis process, check out the links below or go to our website at paautism.org to vi...
In our first full-length episode of Autism Unmasked, we’re breaking down the process of requesting accommodations at school, at work, and beyond. Our guest, Autumn Reely, Director of Special Education and Student Services for the Camp Hill, PA School District, shares practical tips, real-world examples, and advice to help you navigate each stage of life.
Get to know your hosts and the heart behind Autism Unmasked. In this short intro episode, we’re laying the groundwork—why we started this podcast, who it’s for, and what kinds of conversations you can expect. Whether you’re autistic, a self-advocate, a family member, or someone eager to learn, there’s a seat for you here.
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