Unmasking Autism with AFO cover art

Unmasking Autism with AFO

Unmasking Autism with AFO

Written by: Autism Foundation of OKlahoma
Listen for free

- TRIGGER WARNING-This podcast will discuss autism, suicide, mental health, and wellness, among other topics, with autistic individuals and different professionals with the goal of unmasking stereotypes, increasing awareness, advocating for mental health and wellness, and attempting to shatter the stigmas of these topics through conversation and personal experience. The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO), www.autismfoundationok.org, @AutismfoundationOK, strives to improve the lives of Oklahomans (and others) with autism across the lifespan. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. People with ASD often have: • Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people • Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors • Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments, and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. This podcast will discuss autism, suicide awareness and prevention, mental health, wellness, and other important topics with autistic people and professionals. Some of the risks factors for suicide in autistic people are: Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Masking Autistic Burnout Female Lack of Social Support (Isolation) Late DiagnosisCopyright 2026 Autism Foundation of OKlahoma Hygiene & Healthy Living Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Stand-up Shows Success
Episodes
  • Season 2, Ep. 3: But You Don't Look Autistic-Part 1!

    Season 2, Ep. 3: But You Don't Look Autistic-Part 1!
    May 4 2026

    Carley Marissa sits down with Malayna Hasmanis, Executive Director of NAMI Tulsa and Unity Forward Oklahoma, to talk all things autism, stereotypes that come with it, mental health, and navigating work/life "rules". For more information about NAMI Tulsa, visit www.namitulsa.org For more information on Unity Forward OK, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Trigger Warning & Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and conversations between the host and guest(s) presented in this podcast do not reflect those of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) and shall not be considered medical advice or treatment recommendations from AFO.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Season 2, Ep. 2: Late Diagnosed Autism and PDA- A Female Perspective

    Season 2, Ep. 2: Late Diagnosed Autism and PDA- A Female Perspective
    Mar 12 2026

    Carley Marissa sits down with Bailey Hoffner to discuss her late-in-life diagnosis, how she navigates life and accommodates herself, and also, what is PDA?

    The resources discussed in this episode are below: PDA in the Therapy Room by Raelene Dundon

    https://us.jkp.com/products/pda-in-the-therapy-room

    Jessica Kingsley Publishers - PDA books

    https://us.jkp.com/search?q=pda&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

    Journeys with PDA https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Amanda Diekman - Low Demand Parenting https://www.amandadiekman.com/

    Sam Marion Counseling https://www.sammarion.com/autism

    Presentation on PDA and Library Work https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14446/339839 Neurodiversity-affirming practices for libraries [recording and handout] https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14446/345711 https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14446/340173

    Trigger Warning & Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and conversations between the host and guest(s) presented in this podcast do not reflect those of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) and shall not be considered medical advice or treatment recommendations from AFO.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Season 2, Ep. 1: Disability Hiring 101

    Season 2, Ep. 1: Disability Hiring 101
    Dec 18 2025

    Unmasking Autism with AFO is back! Carley sits down with AFO's program manager, Kathy Mitchell, to discuss all things disability, HR, and the Partners in Success (Plan Your Way) program!

    To learn more about Partners in Success or contact Kathy, please email: kmitchell@autismfoundationok.org

    To learn more about Plan Your Way OK, visit: www.planyourwayok.com
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet