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Unmasking Autism

Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

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Unmasking Autism

Written by: Devon Price PhD
Narrated by: Devon Price PhD
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About this listen

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
Children's Health Mental Health Psychology Relationships Social Sciences Autism Inspiring Thought-Provoking Autism Diet
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What the critics say

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)

What listeners say about Unmasking Autism

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Great book!

I found this book so validating, informative, and worth every minute. I will listen over and over. I didn't realize it was narrated by the author until after, and would like the author to please narrate every book on this app 😆 well done

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This book changed my life

I'm the parent of an autistic child, who is just learning about her and myself. This book has done so much for me and for my daughter by making me more aware. I wish I could talk to this author and say thank you. I will not forget what I learned in this book and I will cherish the perspective it gave me for my entire life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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A must ‘read’

Highly recommend to anyone looking to educate themselves on the topic of Autism. This book is incredibly inclusive and insightful. As someone who is late in life and self-diagnosed this book has helped me immensely. I’ve learned so much and feel like such a better advocate. I’ll be listening multiple times!

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involved look into topic

very good book, goes thoigj major topics that people with autism or people close to them can go though

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So Great!

This was obviously packed with information about Autism, but also had great points on social justice and suggestions for building a more inclusive society.

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Excellent And Valuable Information

Thank you for validating my life experiences and help me to under more of myself with this book.

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Incredibly eye opening

This book has been life-changing! I couldn’t stop listening and finished it in 2 days. If you think you’re autistic, you are autistic, or know someone autistic, this is a must read.

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Helpful

This book really helped me feel seen and validated my experiences. As undiagnosed and under-diagnosed adult women, we share the common experience of being dismissed by professionals who base their understanding of autism on a specific gender and race. There is a much broader story to be told surrounding the autistic experience. That must include those who've been generally excluded, and ultimately, denied receiving life saving support.

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clear delivery of factual information and personal practical examples.

an absolute must for any masking Autistic or family member struggling to understand their loved one.

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Eye-opening! I think I need a paper copy too!

Absolutely loved it! There was so much to take in, consider and absorb. I definitely need to hear/read it again. So many things the author said resonated with me, as a teacher, as a mother, as a human being. Please read this book!

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