Resilience Coaching Collective

Unmasking Autism: The Hidden Cost of Masking, and Why It Hurts | Live Webinar Replay

Maribel C. Stikeleather, M. Ed., BCBA, QBA, LBA Season 1 Episode 4

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Autism Awareness Month (April 2025): Launching of Spectrum Speaks (with Aaron, Pao, & Sarah)

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, this special episode of Coaching for Change dives into a powerful and often overlooked topic: masking - the act of camouflaging or suppressing one’s autistic traits to fit in with societal expectations.

Join our keynote speaker, one of our co-host,  Aaron Freed, a neurodivergent writer with Behavioral Teaching Solutions, as he shares his lived experiences and insights on the emotional toll, psychological impact, and social pressure that come with masking.

Whether you’re autistic, a family member, an educator, or a professional, this episode aims to deepen your understanding and compassion, and encourage us all to advocate for authenticity, inclusion, and support over conformity.

Topics covered:

• What is masking and why do autistic individuals do it?

• The emotional and mental health impact of masking

• How to create safe, affirming spaces where autistic people can thrive as their full selves

• Why breaking barriers begins with awareness and acceptance

• Gist of Sarah’s $10 win

 Tune in and be part of this conversation that supports neurodiversity, visibility, and change.

#AutismAwareness #UnmaskingAutism #Neurodiversity #CoachingForChange #InclusionMatters #BehavioralTeachingSolutions #BreakingBarriers #April2026


Thanks for joining Resilience Coaching Collective!

We explore neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based strategies inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach (expanded by T.V. Joe Layng and rooted in B.F. Skinner’s science) that build strengths and repertoires rather than simply eliminate problem behaviors.

This episode is part of our ongoing inclusion initiative, Spectrum Speaks, a Behavioral Teaching Solutions project dedicated to amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating safe spaces for growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our weekly conversations that turn challenges into lasting capabilities.

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Many episodes offer 1 Learning CEU (BACB / QABA-eligible) for just $9.99 USD.

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Backlog gems from 2025 + fresh episodes in 2026 — see you next time!

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Resilience Coaching Collective

Maribel C. Stikeleather, M. Ed., BCBA, QBA, LBA