Autism Unmasked

You're in for an inspiring talk with Youth Empowerment Speaker and Self-Advocate, Lawrence Harris. We talk with Lawrence about his personal experience finding his own voice, how he manages sensory overload, and the tools and routines he uses to help himself succeed.

Prefer video? Watch the full episode on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn3JOcwSzSM

Related Resources

Lawrence Harris' Website

Self-Advocacy Information for Individuals with Autism

ASSIST: Autism Sensory Strategies, Information, and Toolkit

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 on her employment.

We'll talk through how an inclusive employment process can benefit both the employee and the employer, what strengths autistic individuals bring to the workforce, and more!

Prefer Video? Watch this episode now on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/5CNhj503Xjo

Related Resources

Devereux PA Adult Services

Employment Toolkit

Employment Information for Individuals with Autism

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 way she understood herself and her experiences.

In this episode of Autism Unmasked, Emma shares her personal journey through college before and after her diagnosis. She talks about navigating academics, social experiences, self-advocacy, and the process of learning what support she needed as she adjusted to a new understanding of herself.

Join us for an honest conversation about discovering autism in college, finding the right support, and navigating this important transition as you learn more about who you are.

Prefer video? Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/pS9smxzxKBw

Related Resources:

College Information for Individuals with Autism

10 Tips for Staying Organized In College

Secondary Transition: What Educators Need to Know

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 positivity, perseverance, and connection. They share their family’s journey, the impact Ben has made through his advocacy, and how “Benergy” continues to bring encouragement and joy to others.

Related Resources:

Benergy1 Presentations

Stand Up Against Stressors - Wellness Tools That Really Work

Public Comment - The Process

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 Autism Unmasked, we talk with Danielle Winn, a neurodivergent-friendly realtor and founder of Realtors for Neurodivergents, about making the homebuying journey more accessible and personalized. Danielle shares practical tips for navigating the housing market, communicating your needs, and finding a home that works for you.

Prefer video? Watch this episode on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PjdRzcfTgU

Resources:

ASERT Housing Resource Collection
Realtors for Neurodivergents

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 practical, real-life ways. From building independence and navigating overwhelm to figuring out what support actually works, this conversation breaks down a topic that often feels confusing or overly clinical.

We also explore the connection between mental health, autonomy, and support during Mental Health Awareness Month and why needing help doesn’t make someone less independent.

For additional mental health resources, visit our Mental Health Resource Collection: https://paautism.org/resource/mental-health/

Prefer video? Autism Unmasked is now on YouTube! Watch the full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evsk0MwKWBQ

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
• Common barriers and misunderstandings within the justice system
• Practical strategies for self-advocacy and communication
• How trainings like theirs are working to create more informed, supportive systems

Additional Resources:

Justice Resource Collection

Justice Resources Map

Request A Justice Training

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 creative hobbies to deep curiosity and play.

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 form here: https://paautism.org/contact/

For more resources related to housing and assistance programs, visit our website at https://paautism.org/or check out some of our resources listed below.

Housing Quick Reference Guide: Find housing programs, rental assistance, and local housing contacts across Pennsylvania

Financial Assistance with Housing: Learn about programs that can help with rent, mortgages, and emergency housing needs

Autism Housing Network:Explore housing options, planning tools, and community-driven ideas for autistic adults

Home Safety for People with Disabilities:Tips and strategies for creating safer, more accessible living environments

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.

Have a question you want us to answer? Connect with us through our contact form here: https://paautism.org/contact/

For more resources related to medical visits and emergency care, visit our website at https://paautism.org/or check out some of our resources listed below.

Medical Social Story Collection

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: For Emergency Personnel

Emergency Responder Notification Forms

The Importance of Completing a Premise History Form

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

Together, we explore how creativity and theatre can support self-expression, confidence, self-regulation, and a sense of belonging, especially for autistic and disabled individuals. This conversation centers on the idea that everyone deserves the permission to try at their own pace.

For more resources on trying new activities, supporting new skills and more visit our website at https://paautism.org/ or check out some of our resources listed below.

Teaching New Skills

Community Involvement

Finding Activities in Your Community

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.

For more resources on mental health and autistic burnout, visit our website at https://paautism.org/ or check out some of our resources listed below.

Mental Health Resource Collection

Be Well, Think Well Resources

Processing Emotions and Relaxation Techniques

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.

If you are looking for more resources on food sensitivities and eating disorders, check out the links below or go to our website at https://paautism.org/to view hundreds of resources on a variety of topics.

Going to a Restaurant Social Story

Tips for Food Selectivity

ASSIST: Autism Sensory Strategies, Information, and Toolkit

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 at https://paautism.org/to view hundreds of resources on a variety of topics.

ASDNext Community Page (Games, Discord, Trivia and more!)

Sensory-Friendly Events

Social Events and Meeting People Resource Collection

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 https://paautism.org/to view hundreds of resources on a variety of topics.

Understanding Autism Evaluations Resource

Resources for a Newly Diagnosed Individual

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.