Should I Read ‘Unmasking Autism’?

In Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity, Dr. Devon Price, transgender and autistic author, 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.

Unmasking Autism provides readers with a comprehensive overview of autism and what it means to identify as autistic today. Dr. Price writes from a personal and scholarly perspective, drawing on his own experiences as well as interviews with other autistic people. This book lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression.

What is Masking in Autism?

Dr. Price begins Unmasking Autism by exploring the concept of masking and discussing its prevalence among autistic people. Dr. Price explains that masking is a coping mechanism that many autistic people develop in order to fit in with neurotypical society and to order to avoid negative attention or discrimination. Masking can involve suppressing stimming behaviors, avoiding eye contact, and trying to conform to social expectations. However, masking can also be exhausting and lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Masking can involve a wide range of behaviors, such as:

• Suppressing stimming behaviors. Stimming is a repetitive movement or behavior that can help autistic people to regulate their emotions or to focus their attention. However, stimming can be seen as disruptive or annoying by neurotypical people, so many autistic people learn to suppress their stimming in public.

• Avoiding eye contact. Eye contact is an important part of social communication for neurotypical people, but it can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for autistic people. Many autistic people learn to avoid eye contact in order to avoid feeling anxious or stressed.

• Conforming to social expectations. Autistic people often have different ways of communicating, socializing, and processing information than neurotypical people. In order to fit in, many autistic people learn to conform to neurotypical social expectations, even if it means going against their own natural instincts.

The Effects of Masking on People with Autism

Dr. Price argues that masking can have a number of negative consequences for autistic people. Masking can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Additionally, masking can prevent autistic people from being their authentic selves.

The Process of Unmasking

The second half of the book focuses on the process of unmasking. Dr. Price offers practical advice on how to unmask, such as:

• Finding supportive relationships. Having supportive relationships with other autistic people or with people who understand autism can be helpful in the process of unmasking. These relationships can provide a safe space to be oneself and to learn to accept one's autistic identity.

• Accepting oneself as autistic. One of the most important steps in the process of unmasking is to accept oneself as autistic. This means recognizing and accepting one's autistic traits, both positive and negative. It also means challenging the negative stereotypes about autism.

• Advocating for oneself. As one unmasks, it is important to advocate for oneself and one's needs. This means communicating one's needs to others and asking for accommodations. It also means being assertive and standing up for oneself.

Should I Read ‘Unmasking Autism’?

Unmasking Autism is a well-written and informative book that provides a valuable perspective on the experience of having autism. Price's writing is clear and engaging, and he does a good job of balancing personal anecdotes with scholarly research. The book is also full of practical advice that can be helpful for autistic people who are considering unmasking.

In addition to providing practical advice, Unmasking Autism also challenges some of the stereotypes about autism. Price argues that autistic people are not broken or deficient, but simply different. He also points out that autistic people have many strengths, such as creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the book:

Pros:

• Well-written and informative while providing a valuable perspective on the experience of being autistic.

• Offers tangible and applicable suggestions and practical advice.

• Challenges stereotypes about autism

• Includes discussion on how the medical establishment biases minimize women and non-white people

Cons:

• Personal anecdotes may be triggering for some readers.

• The book can be a bit repetitive or simplistic at times.

Unmasking Autism is an important book that can help autistic people to understand themselves better and to advocate for their needs. It is also a valuable resource for parents, educators, and other professionals who work with autistic people.

Overall, I highly recommend Unmasking Autism to anyone who is interested in learning more about autism or who is considering unmasking. It is an important book that can help autistic people to understand themselves better and to advocate for their needs.

Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we are Autism and Asperger specialists in New York and New Jersey who perform thorough and accurate Autism evaluations in New York and New Jersey and virtual Autism assessments and therapy. If you are newly diagnosed with Autism or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.