NOW BOOKING 2024 speaking engagements
Interested in conversations around neurodiversity inclusion, accommodations for autism or sensory processing differences, or how social and communication skills are critical for individual and societal health? Me too! Let’s connect.
IRL Social Skills In The News
Mara McLoughlin joins SJ Child’s on her Autism Podcast Series to discuss how the current system is failing neurodiverse youth, where social skills education picks up where primary education supports leave off, and the importance of learning self-regulation and practicing self-love.
Spectrum Life Magazine Fall 2021
Read the 3-page interview with Mara McLoughlin, founder of IRL Social Skills. Coach Mara McLoughlin is a disability rights advocate with over 11 years of professional experience working with autistic and neurodivergent youth, adults, and families. She believes that all people benefit from learning more “In Real Life” social skills. As we do, it builds our confidence and improves our relationships and quality of life.
Spectrum Life Magazine recently connected with Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP, founder of IRL Social Skills to learn how their team of passionate therapists, coaches, and practitioners are making a positive difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families in Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and beyond.
Columbia Regional Program November 2021
Listen to Coach Mara and Coach Tommy have a rich discussion about PEERS with Oregon’s education providers who serve autistic students, facilitated by Brad Henderschott, Academic Program Administrator for Autism, Orthopedic Impairment/Assistive Technology, & Traumatic Brain Injury.
Embracing Intensity Podcast July 2021
Aurora Remember Holtzman, Neurodivergent Host, Educational Specialist, School Psychologist, and creator of the Embracing Intensity podcast interviews Mara McLoughlin about how her work is informed by the autistic community and her personal experience in identifying as twice-exceptional.
“I’m excited to introduce you to a speech therapist whose work is informed by the autistic community and her personal experience in identifying as twice-exceptional. Her heart and passion are to help give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. Join us!"
Autism Stories by true experts August 2022
Mara McLoughlin joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss teaching social skills taking a neurodiversity affirming approach. Mara also talks with us about being appointed to Oregon Commission for Autism and the interventions subcommittee.
Being UnNormal Podcast February 2020
Kimberly Berry, founder of the Being Unnormal podcast, interviewed Mara right before the pandemic in February 2020. We talked about some common sensory behaviors displayed by children with autism, the importance of building social skills, communication styles, and the importance of setting the environment up for success for people with autism.
Mara explained how making adjustments in the school setting is critical for autistic children and can be used to help create empathy with their peer groups.
Coach Sebastian (he/they) is an #actuallyautistic
Self-advocate and activist in the Neurodiversity Movement for the rights of autistic people of all ages and all levels of support needs. He teaches with us because he wishes he and his family had this kind of neurodiversity-affirming instruction when he was younger. In this talk, he describes how he was diagnosed at age 10, the rejection he experienced because of his neurotype, and his successful completion of a college degree. He offers advice for parents on how to best support their autistic children throughout their lifespan. We are so lucky to have Coach Sebastian on our team!