Book SummaryUnmasking Autism, by Devon Price

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Unmasking Autism

Have you ever felt as though you’re presenting a phony version of yourself to the world? Do you feel the need to consciously put on a “mask” in order to get through each day? People with Autism commonly feel this way. In Unmasking Autism (2022), social psychologist Devon Price explores Autistic masking—the way Autistic individuals camouflage their natural traits to fit into a neurotypical world. He explains that, while masking develops as a useful survival mechanism, it can do more harm than good, and he provides a guide for how to drop the mask.

Price is a social scientist, activist, and professor at the School of Continuing...

Unmasking Autism Summary Defining Autism

In this section we’ll explore Price’s definition of Autism, as well as the traits it entails and how it’s diagnosed.

Price defines Autism as a neurological, developmental disability that’s genetically heritable and affects how a person’s brain processes information. Specifically, Autistic brains have more excitable neurons, meaning they respond more easily to stimuli and aren’t as effective at filtering input. Autistic brains also have greater connectivity between neurons in some brain areas, as well as less connectivity in other areas, than allistic (or non-Autistic) brains do. However, because every Autistic brain is different, we can’t easily identify which specific areas tend to be more or less connected compared to allistic brains.

Research on Filtering and Connectivity

Autistic people’s difficulty in filtering input may be exacerbated by distractions that come from inside their brains as well. Research suggests that Autistic people have a higher amount of internal noise than allistic people, in addition to impairments in filtering external noise. In fact, one study found that [Autistic brains...

Unmasking Autism Summary What Is Masking?

As mentioned earlier, the traits associated with Autism can often lead Autistic people to be misunderstood, misjudged, and mistreated. Allistic people often view Autistic people as rude, immature, unprofessional, or otherwise unlikable. This can make it more difficult for Autistic people to form and maintain relationships, gain employment, and make it through their daily interactions. Price explains that, in order to avoid these negative social consequences, many Autistic people learn to mask their Autism. Masking is, in simple terms, pretending not to be Autistic, and it can contribute to underdiagnosis because it causes people to not “look” Autistic.

(Shortform note: Research supports Price’s claims about the mistreatment of Autistic people. One study suggests that 75% of Autistic children experience bullying, and another indicates that they’re nearly eight times more likely to be bullied than allistic children. Studies on Autistic discrimination in the workplace are less...

Unmasking Autism Summary How to Unmask

Price explains that unmasking is a process in which Autistic individuals drop the pretense of neurotypicality and express themselves more authentically. It’s a gradual process of self-acceptance and learning to trust their feelings and instincts.

Price acknowledges that unmasking can be difficult and may sometimes lead to negative reactions from others. It may involve letting go of certain relationships or opportunities that are incompatible with your true self. However, he argues that the benefits of living more authentically—reduced stress, improved mental health, and a stronger sense of self—outweigh the potential drawbacks.

In this section, we’ll explain the process of unmasking, as well as both individual and societal changes that can assist in unmasking and improve the lives of Autistic people.

The Process of Unmasking

Price provides a step-by-step guide for how to take off the mask: 1) Recognize that you’re Autistic, 2) reevaluate your understanding of Autism, 3) embrace your special interests, 4) embody your principles, and 5) give yourself grace as you reflect on your life.

Step 1: Recognize That You’re Autistic

**Price explains that the first...

Unmasking Autism Summary Self-Accommodation

Price explains that another part of unmasking is cultivating a life that supports you and your Autism. This can involve changes to your environment, following an atypical work schedule, being open about your Autism, and seeking out and engaging with people and communities who support you.

Change Your Environment

Price recommends that you create living and working spaces that cater to your Autistic sensory needs and preferences. Many Autistic people struggle with things like clutter, ambient noise, strong odors, and certain textures. To prevent these sensory issues from interfering with your daily life, adjust your environment so they’re no longer an issue. If you can’t stand clutter, try a more minimalist setup to your home. If ambient noise bothers you, consider investing in noise-canceling headphones or sound-proofing your home or office.

On the other hand, if you need a lot of sensory stimulation in your environment, try putting up bright, colorful posters or wallpaper, buying a white noise machine or playing music throughout the day, or collecting scented items like candles and incense.

(Shortform note: While Price’s tips work well for your home or office...

Unmasking Autism Summary Societal Accommodations

We’ve described many ways you can unmask and make life easier for yourself as an Autistic person. However, Price explains that these tactics alone aren’t enough to overcome the disabling aspects of Autism, or the social pressure that leads us to mask in the first place. Instead, we need to incorporate systemic changes to make society more accommodating to Autistic people—a view that aligns with the social model of disability we described earlier.

Price outlines several policy recommendations to create a more neurodiverse world. These include expanding legal protections for disabled people, such as improving enforcement of accessibility requirements and providing more robust worker protections. Price also suggests broadening social norms to include and normalize Autistic behaviors and communication styles. He emphasizes the importance of increased public and professional education on neurodiversity, particularly for educators, health care providers, and mental health professionals.

Additionally, Price argues in favor of universal health care and basic income to support Autistic individuals. As mentioned earlier, many Autistics remain undiagnosed due to lack of health care...

Shortform Exercise: Begin Your Unmasking Journey

Price presents a five-step process for unmasking, along with strategies for self-accommodation and seeking community. Let’s explore which aspects of masking affect you most and identify steps you can take toward unmasking.

Think about the different ways Price describes that Autistic people mask their traits (like people-pleasing, suppressing stims, or forcing eye contact). Which of these masking behaviors do you recognize in yourself? How have they affected your daily life?