Unmasking Autism

Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

By: Devon Price PhD

Narrated by: Devon Price PhD

A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity

“A remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.”—Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless “masked” Autistic people who pass as neurotypical. Masking is a common coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their identifiably Autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. This can include suppressing harmless stims, papering over communication challenges by presenting as unassuming and mild-mannered, and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety, all so they aren’t seen as needy or “odd.”

In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. Most masked Autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. They are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. Dr. Price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including:

• Celebrating special interests
• Cultivating Autistic relationships
• Reframing Autistic stereotypes
• And rediscovering your values

It’s time to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of Autistic people so that they no longer have to mask—and it’s time for greater public acceptance and accommodation of difference. In embracing neurodiversity, we can all reap the rewards of nonconformity and learn to live authentically, Autistic and neurotypical people alike.

*Includes a downloadable PDF of exercises, tables, lists, and a graph from the book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Devon Price (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Unmasking Autism is at once a most deeply personal and scholarly account of the damage caused by autistic (and all) people leading masked lives, and how unmasking is essential to creating a self-determined, authentic life. It provides a unique and revealing perspective on the sensory and social-cognitive experience of autism. It provides practical guidance and exercises for neurodivergent people to learn to be comfortable in their own skin and dramatically change their own lives, and it details the necessary changes that society needs to make to honor neurodiversity. This is a remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.”—Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, Visiting Scholar, Brown University, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

“Reading this felt like being at home—I didn’t realize how much I masked. What an incredible book that I know will be re-read many times over.”—Dr. Camilla Pang, author of An Outsider’s Guide to Humans

“Price’s accessible and compassionate writing shines, and readers will feel encouraged to embrace a new understanding of themselves. Its potential to help masked autistic adults, especially those from systemically marginalized backgrounds, makes this book essential for most collections.”—Library Journal (starred review)

Very clear and straightforward

It broke down how to unmask, even if you don’t have autism, if you’re neurodivergent please watch this it helps a lot.
Watch also if you’re neurotypical because we need more understanding in the world

devon price is an amazing author

the book was so well written, complete and thorough. he is also a great narrator.

Life changing, beautiful, amazing

I laughed
I cried
It changed my life
I will never forget this book. Thank you Devon

Powerful manifesto for the neurodivergent

The message of this book is that if you have been diagnosed as autistic or suspect that you are autistic, you are not broken, you are just different and you should consider deconstructing the mask of conformity you wear for society. I recommend this book for anyone who knows someone on the spectrum or for people who think they might be autistic or those who are diagnosed. The accompanying PDF has useful exercises and provides ways of communicating with neurotypical people needs to support those on the spectrum.

Validation and empathy

For those of us who have been recognized as autistic later in life it is sometimes difficult to make sense of the grief that comes with realizing your whole life has been a lie. Hearing Devon speak speak words that I’ve only ever intuited before was a bit like coming home for the first time ever. I cried many times listening to this because I’ve lived my entire life feeling like an alien. Even my closest friends and family haven’t been able to understand me. I feel seen. If you or someone you know it autistic or otherwise neurodiverse I recommend reading this.

Amazing.

This books was so comforting and motivating to hear as a queer autistic woman. Never have I felt more strong within my autistic identity.

Much Needed Info on Intersectional Autism

Pros: Supported by research, discusses of experiences by non-white and non-male, includes practical prompts and exercises, includes concrete suggestions, presents a realistic and optimistic view of the evolving understanding of autistic and autistic individuals

Cons: Occasionally seems to editorialize without clear separation

So insightful, detailed, and inspiring!

After reading this book I don’t know if I’m autistic or just another branch of Neurodivergent, but either way I’m happy I read it and grateful to have learned so much. Before I had a more stereotypical-type of view on Autistics, and now I feel I have greater understanding, compassion, and appreciation for who they are and who I might be. This book teaches acceptance of differences, why they aren’t bad and why they shouldn’t be shamed, the history of autistic people and their “treatments”, how people with autism can get the help they need, resources, and the stories of those who have been in the same position as you or a loved one. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is currently questioning if their autistic or neurodivergent!

Beautiful

Although there weren’t any new facts to learn, I found comfort in knowing even the most “niche” experiences I had were mirrored by others. I love the accompanying PDF too and can’t wait to use it.

Everyone Needs to Listen/Read

I greatly appreciate Devon’s perspective as an autistic person and sharing their experiences (as well as others’) on getting a diagnosis,masking and learning to unmask