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lizzie_purplephoenix 's review for:
2nd read Dec 2024
Still my favourite book on autism!
Feb 2023
I binged this in just a few days. It is my favourite book so far on the subject of neurodiversity and autism. I listened to the audiobook, but will be buying a physical copy too. I noticed there are two different titles for the book for some reason. I personally think the best and most accurate is Unmasking Autism: The Power of Embracing our Hidden Neurodiversity. It is a powerful book, the way it reframes, explains and celebrates autistic traits and presents a challenge both to the neurotypical world (to make accommodations) and to masked autistics (to come out as their true selves), in order to create a world that is set up to be mentally and physically healthier and more supportive for everyone.
The politics and approach of the author (e.g. subscribing to the social model and challenging the medical model) is perfectly aligned with my own values and it was hugely validating to hear it all laid out for me. And although I didn't necessarily learn anything I didn't already know about autism itself, it was great to hear it all put together in a really grounded, person-centred way and within the contexts the book covers.
The explanations of how and why masking begins and develops were really well done, as was the approach taken - using a few exercises - to help the reader figure out who they really are and how to begin to live their best lives and take care of themselves. I will certainly be gaining a new understanding of myself - and my past self! - from it.
The discussions about the intersectionality of such as gender identity and sexuality, race, ADHD and other neurodiversities, were really interesting. I also loved the section on special interests and the challenge to society's notions of 'productivity' and value, a topic that is close to my heart.
I think although this book was clearly written for masked autistics and neurodiverse people, it is worth reading by anyone who has an interest in the topic, or who feels like the world is not quite built for them, even if, like me, you're not sure if you are autistic.
Still my favourite book on autism!
Feb 2023
I binged this in just a few days. It is my favourite book so far on the subject of neurodiversity and autism. I listened to the audiobook, but will be buying a physical copy too. I noticed there are two different titles for the book for some reason. I personally think the best and most accurate is Unmasking Autism: The Power of Embracing our Hidden Neurodiversity. It is a powerful book, the way it reframes, explains and celebrates autistic traits and presents a challenge both to the neurotypical world (to make accommodations) and to masked autistics (to come out as their true selves), in order to create a world that is set up to be mentally and physically healthier and more supportive for everyone.
The politics and approach of the author (e.g. subscribing to the social model and challenging the medical model) is perfectly aligned with my own values and it was hugely validating to hear it all laid out for me. And although I didn't necessarily learn anything I didn't already know about autism itself, it was great to hear it all put together in a really grounded, person-centred way and within the contexts the book covers.
The explanations of how and why masking begins and develops were really well done, as was the approach taken - using a few exercises - to help the reader figure out who they really are and how to begin to live their best lives and take care of themselves. I will certainly be gaining a new understanding of myself - and my past self! - from it.
The discussions about the intersectionality of such as gender identity and sexuality, race, ADHD and other neurodiversities, were really interesting. I also loved the section on special interests and the challenge to society's notions of 'productivity' and value, a topic that is close to my heart.
I think although this book was clearly written for masked autistics and neurodiverse people, it is worth reading by anyone who has an interest in the topic, or who feels like the world is not quite built for them, even if, like me, you're not sure if you are autistic.