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?
In his book Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores how Autistic individuals often hide their natural traits to fit into a neurotypical world. He shares insights about the costs of this masking behavior and provides guidance for embracing your true self.
Continue reading for an overview of this book that reveals Price’s revolutionary perspective on Autism, identity, and the path to authentic living.
Overview of Unmasking Autism (Devon Price)
People with Autism commonly feel as though they need to wear a mask of sorts. In the 2022 book Unmasking Autism, 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 and Professional Studies at Loyola University of Chicago. He was diagnosed with Autism as an adult and is the author of other books on neurodivergence including Laziness Does Not Exist and Unlearning Shame.
In our overview, we’ll explain what Autism is and how it’s diagnosed and viewed by the medical community. We’ll also define masking and describe the harm it can cause. Finally, we’ll describe Price’s process for how you can unmask, including ways you can accommodate your Autism as well as ways society could change to support Autistic people.
(Shortform note: Price capitalizes the term “Autistic” to recognize it as a distinct community and cultural identity, similar to the way many Deaf people capitalize the word “Deaf.” We’ll reflect his choice in our overview as well.)
Defining Autism
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.
Price also explains that Autism is characterized by a bottom-up processing style. This means Autistic people take in all the details of an environment or situation and process them separately before integrating them into a bigger-picture understanding. Because of this, Autistic people can have trouble distinguishing between “important” and “unimportant” details. In contrast, allistic people tend to use top-down processing, where they start from a comprehensive view of something and then narrow it down, allowing them to more easily identify the important details.
Additionally, writes Price, Autistic people tend to process things more logically and less intuitively than allistic people. They may not rely as much on logical shortcuts and biases to understand information and make decisions. This means Autistic people often take longer to process information than allistic people do, but it can also make them less likely to make mistakes in their reasoning.
Price explains that Autism isn’t limited to certain areas of a person’s functioning. Rather, it affects every aspect of their existence—mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and so on—and can’t be separated from who they are.
Other Traits of Autism
In addition to these qualities, Price describes many traits associated with Autism, including:
Special interests: Autistic people often have intense passions or areas of interest. Price explains that engaging with special interests is associated with improved well-being and can aid in development of things like social and motor skills.
Sensory sensitivities: Autistic people’s greater sensitivity to sensory input, along with the fact that their brains don’t habituate to stimuli the way neurotypical brains do, can lead to sensory pain and overwhelm. (To clarify, “neurotypical” means characterized by a type of neurological functioning that aligns with what’s generally considered “normal”; and “neurodivergent” or “neurodiverse” means “not neurotypical.” All neurotypical people are allistic, but not all allistic people are neurotypical, meaning some allistic people are neurodivergent in other ways, such as those with ADHD, attachment disorders, brain injuries, or other undiagnosed differences).
Repetitive behaviors and routines: Repetition and routines can help Autistic people function in a confusing and unpredictable world.
Stimming: Stimming is any behavior used to stimulate, comfort, or express yourself, such as fidgeting, hand-flapping, repeating words or phrases, or listening to specific sounds on repeat.
Difficulty with social interactions: Autistic people often struggle with social cues and may have trouble knowing when or how much to speak in conversations. Differences in Autistic and allistic communication styles can also lead to frequent misunderstandings.
Executive functioning problems: Autistic people often struggle to plan, start, or switch between tasks. They can also be prone to decision fatigue (when the brain gets overwhelmed from having to make too many choices).
Price explains that these behaviors serve important functions for Autistic individuals, such as self-regulation and expression of emotions. However, these differences can also cause allistic people to view Autistic people as awkward, unpleasant, or even creepy. As a result, Autistic people often mask their traits, meaning they pretend to be allistic in order to get by.
Diagnosis
Price explains that the rate of Autism is probably much higher than current statistics suggest, largely due to biases in (and lack of access to) diagnosis. Diagnoses are usually based on an Autistic person’s behaviors and others’ perceptions of them—particularly behaviors that inconvenience or pose a problem to others—which are highly subjective, difficult to measure, and don’t always accurately reflect an Autistic person’s feelings and experiences.
Price adds that the diagnostic criteria were developed based on children, mostly white, relatively affluent boys. This makes it particularly difficult for women, gender minorities, BIPOC, and poor people to get diagnosed, meaning Autistic people in these demographics often go undiagnosed well into adulthood—or even their entire lives. And, since their Autistic traits often don’t present the same way they do in white male children, their symptoms can be misattributed to other conditions, making them more likely to receive misdiagnoses like borderline personality disorder or schizophrenia. This tendency is exacerbated by the fact that Autism frequently presents with one or more comorbidities, including ADHD, epilepsy, and various learning disorders.
Additionally, many people don’t have insurance, or they have insurance that doesn’t cover Autism assessment or treatments. Because of these and other barriers, Price argues in favor of self-diagnosis (which he refers to as self-determination), explaining that Autistic people without a formal diagnosis are just as valid as those with one.
Rethinking the Medical Model of Disability
Price explains that current legal, health care, and educational systems predominantly use a medical model of disability, which views disability as an issue that needs to be addressed at the individual level rather than the systemic level. This approach has led to harmful practices and organizations that seek to “cure” Autism rather than accept and accommodate Autistic individuals.
Price explains that society actively disables certain groups—for example, Deaf people often rely on sign language to communicate, which is disabling because most people use spoken language. However, if everyone knew and used sign language, that aspect of Deafness would no longer be disabling. Similarly, Price argues that many Autistic struggles stem from social expectations and norms rather than inherent limitations.
Price advocates adopting a social model of disability, which recognizes that disability is often created by societal barriers and exclusion rather than innate deficits. This model rejects the idea that Autism needs to be cured and instead focuses on ways that society could be restructured or modified to make Autism less disabling.
What Is Masking?
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.
Masking is a survival strategy and coping mechanism. People develop it unconsciously in order to avoid being identified as disabled, and to appear independent and self-sufficient. Because the traits of Autism are visible from a very early age, maskers start learning how to mask in early childhood: They notice that their natural traits and behaviors elicit negative reactions from others, such as social alienation, mockery, and punishments from adults, so they learn to hide those traits. They observe how other people behave and identify what’s considered “good” or “normal” behavior, and then they mimic that behavior.
Price explains that women, gender minorities, BIPOC, and poor people tend to face greater social consequences for their Autistic traits than white men, and thus are more likely to learn to mask. For example, a white man who frequently interrupts others might be viewed as assertive and powerful, whereas a Black woman who does the same is likely to be viewed as rude and unprofessional. Disabled people are also at a high risk of violence at both the individual and systemic level (50% of all people killed by police are disabled), and this risk is compounded for people in the demographics we’ve just discussed.
The Potential Harms of Masking
Price explains that many Autistic individuals resort to destructive coping mechanisms to maintain their masks, such as substance abuse or excessive exercise. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unsustainability and cost of masking in order to begin the process of unmasking and embracing your true self. We’ll look at some specific ways Autistic masking can be harmful.
Substance Misuse
One common coping mechanism is substance use, particularly alcohol. Many Autistic individuals turn to substances to dull overwhelming sensory input, bolster their courage in social situations, and relax inhibitions. However, this can lead to addiction and other health problems. Price notes that Autistic people are at higher risk for substance use disorders and that conventional addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are less effective than treatments that integrate all aspects of a person’s health (including their Autism).
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are another frequent issue among Autistic people, especially women, gender minorities, and late-diagnosed Autistics. Price discusses how some use restrictive eating or compulsive exercise as a way to control their bodies, regulate anxiety, or conform to social expectations of appearance. Eating disorders can provide structure and a sense of control, but are ultimately harmful. As with substance abuse treatment, conventional eating disorder treatments appear less effective for Autistic people than allistic people, but research suggests that treatments designed specifically for Autistics improve outcomes.
Dissociation
Price says that many Autistic individuals cope by mentally dissociating from reality. This can manifest as retreating into their thoughts, struggling to recognize physical sensations or emotions (alexithymia), or becoming overly reliant on digital spaces and gaming. Dissociation can help them feel more in control of themselves as well as reducing cognitive load. However, excessive detachment can lead to neglecting their needs and further social isolation. Price emphasizes the importance of Autistic people learning to recognize and honor their feelings and needs.
Exploitative Groups
Some Autistic people seek structure and belonging in groups that exert a lot of control over their followers, such as fringe religious communities, cults, or extremist political organizations. The rigid rules and sense of purpose offered by these groups can be appealing but often lead to exploitation and further isolation. Price describes some red flags to look for in identifying high-control groups that may exploit or manipulate you, including establishing an adversarial relationship between the group and the rest of the world, harsh punishments for small mistakes or incorrect thoughts, violating your boundaries, and quashing dissent with meaningless buzzwords or idioms.
People-Pleasing
Price also explains that many Autistic people engage in compulsive people-pleasing and “fawning” behavior as a way to avoid conflict and gain social acceptance. Growing up being punished or alienated for their natural traits teaches many Autistic people to prioritize others’ feelings over their own, or to make themselves as unobtrusive and undemanding as possible. This can involve constantly monitoring and mirroring others’ emotions, suppressing their own needs and opinions, and struggling to set boundaries. While this may help avoid rejection in the short term, it ultimately leads to inauthentic relationships and emotional exhaustion.
Autistic Burnout
Sometimes, writes Price, others’ demands exceed an Autistic person’s abilities to meet them. When this happens intensely and consistently over a long period of time, they may experience Autistic burnout. This is a condition of perpetual fatigue that can reduce a person’s ability to function in every area of their life. Developing healthy coping mechanisms can help reduce the risk of Autistic burnout, and so can unmasking your Autism.
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.
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 step to unmasking is to recognize that you’re Autistic. This recognition can lead to a reconceptualization of your self-view and the life you’ve lived so far. Understand that you’re not defective, but rather that you’ve been living with a disability that hasn’t been properly accommodated by the people and world around you. This will help you detach from harmful beliefs about yourself, like that you’re unintelligent or unmotivated, and instead acknowledge that the flaws you’ve long been accused of having are simply traits of your neurodivergence.
Step 2: Reevaluate Your Understanding of Autism
The process of unmasking involves questioning societal beliefs about Autism and disability, as well as examining personal experiences through a new lens. Price explains that many people from marginalized groups experience self-stigma, meaning they internalize negative beliefs about their group. This can result in lowered self-esteem and a reluctance to ask for support. To fight this stigma and better recognize your strengths, consider the stereotypes about Autism and disability that you’ve been judged by and re-label them as positive, rather than negative, traits. For example, Autistic people are often told they’re too sensitive, but you can instead think of this as being empathetic and caring.
Step 3: Embrace Special Interests
Price emphasizes the importance of embracing your special interests as an Autistic person. Autistic people are often discouraged from their special interests because their passion can make allistic people uncomfortable, but research shows that special interests are highly beneficial to Autistic people: They improve well-being and life satisfaction, as well as social, emotional, and even motor skills. Consequently, prohibiting or discouraging Autistic people—especially children—from pursuing their special interests can harm their mental health.
Reflect on the special interests you’ve had throughout your life, and make time to immerse yourself in them. This will help you appreciate your Autistic brain and give you more energy to continue the difficult process of unmasking.
Step 4: Embody Your Principles
Price explains that a lifetime of masking can cause you to center your life and behavior around meeting others’ expectations instead of focusing on what’s important to you. Once you decide to unmask, you may find yourself confused as to what to do and how to behave. Think about important moments in your life and why they were meaningful to you, and then identify what ideals or principles guided you in those moments. This will help you identify your principles, which you can use to guide your actions and thoughts in the future rather than continuing to devote your energy to pleasing or gaining the approval of others.
Step 5: Give Yourself Grace
Finally, Price recommends that as you reflect on your life as a masking Autistic, do so with grace, and thank yourself for making it through the struggles you’ve faced. And while it may be hard, appreciate your Autism for the positive ways it’s affected you. Many people feel a sense of regret or longing when they think about what their life would have been like if they’d been diagnosed earlier or if they’d never been forced to mask. However, it’s important to recognize that these difficulties were the result of an unaccommodating world, not you or your Autism.
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.
Re-balance Work and Rest
Price also explains that Autistic people often have different relationships with time and productivity compared to allistic people. Many Autistics work best in intense bursts of hyperfocus followed by periods of rest rather than trying to be moderately productive for eight hours a day. They also tend to need more sleep than allistic people due to the energy drain of existing in a world not built for them, and they often suffer from sleep disturbances. For these and other reasons, many Autistic people can’t maintain a traditional 9-to-5, 40-hour work week without damaging their health (and Price notes that this schedule is often harmful for neurotypical people as well).
To deal with these difficulties, Price recommends finding a job and work schedule that fits your natural rhythms and rest needs through methods like flexible work arrangements, self-employment, or structuring your day around peak productivity periods. However, he acknowledges that this isn’t possible for everyone due to the need for income. Additionally, you’ll need to be willing to say “no” to certain projects or opportunities, potentially coming back to them later rather than forcing yourself through them because you feel you’re expected to.
Be Open About Your Autism
Price explains that the reason we feel the need to mask is because it’s not socially acceptable to seem Autistic. Many people unconsciously view Autistic traits as weird or creepy and tend to judge people for them immediately. However, when the person you’re interacting with knows you’re Autistic, they tend to be less judgmental and more understanding and welcoming. To combat the social stigma against Autism and promote this more accepting attitude, Price recommends being very open about your Autism and presenting yourself to the world authentically (as much as you’re comfortable doing so).
Price emphasizes that unmasking is a process that involves learning to disappoint others, express disagreement, and ask for accommodations without shame or apology. He lists some specific ways you can do this, including openly using assistive devices, stimming in public, dressing in ways that prioritize sensory comfort over social norms, and practicing assertiveness in social situations. Additionally, don’t feel like you need to hide the ways you make your life easier as an Autistic person. If you have to look up and study maps of new places before you visit them, script out social interactions, or use unusual self-reward systems to get things done, explain these to your friends and loved ones to help them better understand and support you.
Seek Out Community
Price emphasizes the importance of finding community with other Autistic and neurodivergent people. He recommends seeking out individuals who are genuinely supportive and understanding of Autistic needs and traits. Many Autistic people have insecure attachment styles due to past experiences of rejection and misunderstanding. (Attachment styles are the ways we relate to others, based on our early experiences with caregivers.) By intentionally seeking out and nurturing relationships with accepting individuals, Autistic people can develop more secure attachments and improve their overall well-being.
Many niche interest communities also have a high proportion of Autistic members and organizers, explains Price. Communities like fandoms, conventions, and kink communities appeal to Autistic people because they offer a sense of inclusion and acceptance. They also often have clear rules for how to interact with other members, which can reduce social anxiety and uncertainty in social situations. Groups organized by Autistic people specifically often have sensory accommodations as well, providing more comfortable and accessible environments for Autistic individuals to socialize and express themselves.
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.
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. Many Autistics remain undiagnosed due to lack of health care access, and those who are diagnosed often struggle with employment or face restrictive disability benefits systems. A universal basic income would provide a safety net for all, regardless of disability status.
Price emphasizes that these changes would benefit both Autistic and allistic people. Creating a world where Autistic people can safely unmask would allow anyone with differences to be seen as worthy and whole, and implementing universal supports like those described above would give everyone greater freedom to not only survive, but thrive.
