EPISODE 49
Unmasking Autism: A Discussion with Dr. Devon Price
Unmasking Autism: A Discussion with Dr. Devon Price
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) How does Devon define masking, and how does he discuss masking from his perspective as being both an autistic and a transgender man? Have you experienced masking yourself, or in individuals you are close to?
2) What are some of the unfortunate consequences of masking that Devon discusses? How do some therapies actually teach masking? Are you familiar with, or have you been directly involved (as therapist, educator, parent or autistic person) with such therapies?
3) Devon also discusses many ways to support autistic individuals around issues of masking and “building an autistic life”. What did you find to be most valuable and relevant to your life situation? How has this discussion either changed or provided helpful information about masking that you can apply immediately?
Featuring
DR. DEVON PRICE
Devon Price, PhD, is a social psychologist, professor, and author of the acclaimed book, Unmasking Autism. As a proud autistic person and transgender man, his writings reflect both his personal experiences and his published research, which have appeared in journals such as the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and the Journal of Positive Psychology. Devon’s writings have appeared in outlets such as the Financial Times, HuffPost, Slate, Jacobin, Business Insider, LitHub, and on PBS and NPR. He lives in Chicago, where he serves as an assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Show Notes
An issue of increasing interest and concern in the autism community is that of masking. Masking or camouflaging is when an autistic person or neurodivergent person consciously, or subconsciously seeks to hide or minimize their autism or neurodivergent traits to fit in with the neurotypical world. Individuals with autism, especially ones who have a history of trauma, frequently feel they need to mask their autistic traits in order to fit in. Dr. Devon Price, a social psychologist and transgender autistic man shares his personal experiences as well as his expertise as a researcher and psychologist in exploring many issues related to masking. Drawing from his critically acclaimed book, Unmasking Autism, he provides understanding and practical guidance related to masking that will be of great value to autistic and neurodivergent individuals, and neurotypical individuals as well.
Devon’s Articles on Medium: devonprice.medium.com
Specially check “Autistic Social Butterfly’s Guide to Making Friends” here.
Published books:
Follow Devon:
Twitter: @drdevonprice
Instagram: @drdevonprice
Important mention on this episode.
We invite you to experience “Journey to Namuh”. An original Musical Film where a group of neurodiverse students escape to a magical realm and discover what it means to be “uniquely human.” Created with and starring performers with and without disabilities.
Inspired by Dr. Barry Prizant’s best selling book “Uniquely Human” and Elaine Hall’s Miracle Project Methodology.
Zoom Screening Wed April 20, 2022 @ 5:00pm PT/8:00pm ET