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Title details for Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD - Wait list

Unmasking Autism

Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

by Devon Price, PhD
ebook
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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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 5, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780593235249

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780593235249
      • File size: 2982 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      Starred review from March 1, 2022

      The widespread understanding of autism is based on how it has presented historically in white, male, upper-class individuals. Social psychologist Price (Laziness Does Not Exist) explains how this has caused countless numbers of people to live with masked autism, a "camouflaged version" of autism which occurs in order to blend into a society based on neurotypical, ableist values. Price blends research and lived experiences, including their own, to help autists, with or without a professional diagnosis, to better understand themselves, find their community, and gain confidence. Price reviews the history of autism and how individuals from marginalized backgrounds have been ignored, maligned, or misdiagnosed. Price demonstrates how masking--that is, suppressing autistic behaviors to appear neurotypical--can be psychologically and physically harmful, and offers gentle guidance on navigating home, work, and interpersonal situations with greater ease. Numerous exercises for self-reflection are provided as well as resources for further information and self-advocacy. VERDICT 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.--Anitra Gates

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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