Autism Unmasked

Episode 19: What Meaningful and Supportive Employment Can Look Like for Autistic Adults

Join us as we talk with Mechaele Johnson, a Job Coach and Behavioral Specialist for Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services, and self-advocate Emily, who works with Mechaele

Episode 18: Finding Your Way - Navigating College After an Autism Diagnosis

For Emma, college was already a time of new experiences, challenges, and independence, but during freshman year, she also received an autism diagnosis that changed the wa

Episode 17: Creating Light with Benergy - How One Kind Person Can Make a Difference

What does it mean to choose positivity, even when life gets difficult? In this episode of Autism Unmasked, Ben and Sandy Hartranft join us to talk about the power of pos

Episode 16: Built for You - A Neurodivergent Approach to the Homebuying Journey

Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when the process wasn't designed with neurodivergent people in mind. In this episode of Auti

Episode 15: What is Psych Rehab, Really? And How it Supports Autistic Individuals

What is psych rehab, really? We sat down with Heather Conroy from Evolve Coaching to talk about psychiatric rehabilitation and how it can support autistic individuals in

Episode 14: Autism and the Justice System - Understanding, Safety, and Advocacy

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

Episode 13: Passion in Focus Mini-Series - Reed and Michael: Connection Through Film

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

Episode 12: Passion in Focus Mini-Series - John: Finding Rhythm in the Kitchen

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

Episode 11: Passion in Focus Mini-Series - Penny: Creativity Stitched with Care

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 creat

Episode 10: Passion in Focus Mini-Series - Kel: Play, Puzzles, and Self-Expression

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

Episode 9: More Than a Roof - An Autistic Perspective on Home and Belonging

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

Episode 8: Emergency Visits - Supporting Autistic Patients & Their Caregivers

Emergency medical visits can feel overwhelming, especially for autistic individuals and their families. In this episode of Autism Unmasked, we talk with emergency physici

Episode 7: Permission to Try: Taking the Stage This New Year

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

Episode 6: Community, Care, and Connection - Conversations on Mental Health

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. W

Episode 5: Unpacking Food and Fear - ARFID and The Autistic Experience

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 an

Episode 4: Neurodivergent Friendships, Social Energy and Finding Your People

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 you

Episode 3: Diagnosis Journeys - From Self-Discovery to Support

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

Episode 2: Accommodations and Executive Functioning

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,

Episode 1: Welcome to Autism Unmasked

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