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.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Crystal’s grandfather, who was Autistic, did not want to diagnose his granddaughter, because he feared the consequences of having a disabled grandchild. He hid her condition from everyone, including Crystal, until his death. #2 Crystal’s story is common among Autistic people. They experience the world differently, but their parents and teachers don’t believe them when they say they are struggling. They push the label away, and tell their child to stop making such a fuss. #3 Crystal’s family still does not believe she is on the spectrum. They had every indication that she was hurting, but they didn’t want to see it. She was constantly fighting the urge to suck her fingers, and when people spoke to her, she had to forcefully point her attention at their words and face. #4 Autism is a neurological condition that is developmental in nature. It is largely genetically heritable, but it is also multiply determined, meaning it has no single cause. Every Autistic person’s brain is unique and exhibits its own distinct patterns of connectivity.

Let this workbook guide you toward your authentic, autistic self. You don’t have to hide anymore. If you grew up before the neurodiversity movement, chances are you were taught at an early age that your autistic traits were “wrong” or “bad.” Whether it was stimming, difficulties with making small talk, avoiding eye contact, sensitivities to loud sounds or certain textures, or even talking passionately about the things you care about—somewhere along the way you learned to mask these aspects of yourself to better fit in, avoid bullying from other kids, and in some cases to even gain the love of your own parents. The problem is that, over time, masking can lead to higher levels of stress, burnout, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression. So how can you be your authentic self and still succeed and thrive in a neurotypical world? Written by a therapist who is actually autistic, this neurodiversity-affirming workbook offers skills to help you cultivate self-acceptance, manage intense emotions, and be your own advocate when needed. You’ll take a good look at the situations or people that caused you to mask in the first place. You’ll also discover: How to set and achieve your own authentic goals—with a clear view of who you are and what you care about Why self-love and self-acceptance is so important for autistic folks How to live your life on your own terms, while self-advocating for accommodations How to let go of old, hurtful messages about autistic people that you’ve internalized How autism can be both a strength and a disability Strategies to cope with burnout or meltdowns How to be assertive and set boundaries with others You don’t have to mask, hide, or camouflage any longer. Let this workbook guide you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. You are worthy of it. And you deserve it.

As autistic self-advocates, our personal stories hold a lot of power: they are sources of strength, tales of overcoming barriers and adversity, and a way for us to assert agency and receive the support we might need. But how do you actually disclose your diagnosis? How do you tell teachers, support staff, colleagues, friends, or anybody else about your disability and account for their varied reactions? Or, if you're a parent or ally, how do you tell the person you're supporting about their own neurodivergent identity and culture? Disclosure is often a thorny topic, but in this powerful and supportive book, Haley Moss explores the language, history, and stigmas that influence how people perceive autism, breaking down ways to approach conversations about neurodivergence in different contexts. By deconstructing fears around disclosure, Talking the Talk About Autism shows how the experience can be made more impactful, safe, and less nerve-wracking for all those involved.

Everyone who seeks a more compassionate and wise life will benefit from this wonderful, insightful, and beautiful book. It is a very short step from understanding autism and the God connection to understanding you and the God Connection. ---Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul and The Dancing Wu Li Master "Autism and the God Connection is a compelling, powerful and thought-provoking book. Mr. Stillman describes the discoveries that unfold from conversations that he has with people that have a difficult time with conventional communication. He is able to see, feel and hear people from different perspectives." --Nicki Fischer, executive director, publisher and editor, The Autism Perspective Magazine Autism impacts one out of every 166 children--ten times higher than just ten years ago. Despite the international scrambling of scientists to provide an explanation, there remains no single known cause for the rise in autism. Autism and the God Connection views autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning. Through countless interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness. Autism and the God Connection boldly challenges our traditionally held beliefs about people with disabilities. Readers looking for hope, inspiration and a deeper understanding of their loved ones will appreciate the affirming anecdotes of ordinary families.

A vital new framework for working with clients on the spectrum. By presenting the autism diagnosis through the lens of a disordered nervous system—that is, by applying Polyvagal Theory—this book opens new avenues for intervention and treatment, while challenging age-old assumptions of what autism means and how it presents itself. Sean Inderbitzen, an autistic therapist, encourages clinicians to conceptualize their work with autistic clients through a polyvagal lens. Inderbitzen argues that individuals with autism can access their ventral vagal nervous system to promote flexibility and connection to others, and effective polyvagal theory ideas and exercises can help their clients do so. An essential new text for anyone who works clients on the spectrum, this book explores approaches such as motivational interviewing, clinical social work pedagogy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, mindfulness, biofeedback, and cultivating a sense of safety in sessions.

How to build a fairer, more neuro-inclusive society Neurodiversity is one of the most urgent political issues of our time. As the number of diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and other types of neurodivergence rises, we are starting to understand that there is no such thing as a 'normal' brain. But society is still organised around neuronormativity, and autism is treated as a disease. Jodie Hare, diagnosed with autism at twenty-three, argues it is time to redefine the politics of who we are. She calls for the recognition of diversity as part of natural variation, rather than a departure from sameness. This will have an impact on the places where we learn, work, and socialise - and Hare shows how these can be adapted to be more inclusive and accessible. She shows how we might commit to building a world where we can all thrive, one that works to combat discrimination based on race, class, gender, and disability.