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 kinds of conversations you can expect.

Listen Now: Episode 1

On 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.

Listen Now: Episode 2

In this episode, we talk 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!

Listen Now: Episode 3

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.

Listen Now: Episode 4

Content Warning: This episode focuses 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.

Listen Now: Episode 5

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 mental health and burnout.

Listen Now: Episode 6

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 wheelchair user about what it really means to try something new without pressure.

Listen Now: Episode 7

In this episode we talk with emergency physician Dr. Arvind Venkat about navigating emergency care, communication strategies in fast-paced medical settings, and ways to prepare ahead of time. We also share advocacy tips and resources to help make emergency experiences more supportive and predictable.

Listen Now: Episode 8

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.

Listen Now: Episode 9

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 2026 mini-series by highlighting how self-expression can take many forms, from creative hobbies to deep curiosity and play.

Listen Now: Episode 10

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.

Listen Now: Episode 11

John, a line cook with a passion for food, talk abouts 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.

Listen Now: Episode 12

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 and why storytelling through film feels like a natural form of self-expression.

Closing out our Passion In Focus mini-series, this episode highlights how shared interests can build community and spark conversation.

Listen Now: Episode 13