Bookshelf - Unmasking Autism

This is the first book that I read after I realised that I am autistic.

The author, Dr Devon Price, shares his own experiences as a late realised autistic person, as well as including the accounts of other neurodivergent people, to give insight into the struggles and trauma that being autistic in a world designed for neurotypical behaviour causes.

This book was a gateway to other material on my own journey of unmasking as an autistic woman. 

Masking is a term associated with suppression of self, both consciously and unconsciously, based upon ableist demands that sadly dominate the western world.  Deviation from these ableist norms results in ostracization, othering, ridicule and punishment in many forms.  Masking is seldom a choice: it is a survival mechanism.

This book explores the concept of masking and speaks directly to the autistic person, providing tools and reflective exercises to help the reader on their journey of healing and returning, in the safest way, to their authentic self.

Dr Price incorporates the struggles of autistic people with consideration of masking and trauma; acknowledging groups that are marginalised through race, sexual orientation, gender and class.

When I discovered that I was autistic, there was relief and excitement – finally I had an answer to a question I was not even sure I had been asking.

I knew I was different and, as I had gotten older, I had stopped searching for solutions or ways to change.  I accepted that I was unique but in a way that felt like defeat; I felt ashamed that I struggled, I did not love or accept myself, and I realised I had spent my whole life trying to be one way when, in fact, my brain could never be that way!

Understanding that I am not neurotypical was an immense relief.  I was excited to be able to say “There is nothing wrong with me!  This is how I’m supposed to be - I’m autistic!”.

But, after the initial discovery, I began to feel somewhat lost again.  I had so much information but I wasn’t sure how to process it all.

Reading ‘Unmasking Autism’ gave me comfort and a sense of community.  I didn’t feel like an alien anymore.

The book encouraged me to celebrate and express the parts of myself I had supressed and shamed myself for – the parts of me that were ridiculed, and the behaviours I was told were weird and strange.  Processes and interests that I was told were unacceptable were being encouraged, and honestly it felt wonderful.  I revisit this book often.

It would be naïve to believe that one book can be the key to unmasking as an autistic person, as the concept is only a part of the neurodivergent experience.  For most masked and late realised autistic individuals, there can be many years’ worth of pain, suffering and trauma to overcome, and that takes a lot work.

For me the process is ongoing, but the words of Dr Price and the stories of those who bravely shared their experiences in this book have had a profound impact on me.  I recommend this book not only to a person who knows they are autistic, but to everyone. Yes, EVERYONE!

It’s fundamental that society continues to learn about neurotypes as neurodivergent people are disabled by the societal constructs that insist on a typical way of being.  With deviation frowned upon, misunderstood and even feared, collectively we must listen and learn from each other.

I think anyone interested in the welfare of our human race would benefit from reading this book.

‘Unmasking Autism: The Power of Embracing Our Hidden Neurodiversity’ by Dr Devon Price