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Unmasking Adult Autism: Embrace Your Autistic Identity, Overcome Executive Dysfunction, and Empower Your Neurodivergent Self
Do you feel like you're constantly performing, hiding your true self to fit into a world that wasn't designed for you?Does masking your authentic identity leave you drained, isolated, and questioning whether it's possible to feel genuinely connected to others?If so, Unmasking Adult Autism is for you.
This groundbreaking guide isn't just another self-help book—it's a transformative toolkit designed to help you break free from societal expectations and embrace your individuality with confidence.
Whether you've been masking for years or are just beginning to explore your authentic self, this book is designed to support you every step of the way.
You might be "I've been masking for so long—can I really change now?" or "This book will not understand my unique situation."
Written by experts who deeply understand the Autistic experience, Unmasking Adult Autism provides compassionate guidance, real-life examples, and step-by-step strategies tailored to your unique journey. It meets you where you are, helping you create a safer, more authentic path forward—no matter your starting point.
Inside, you'll discover how
Uncover the hidden emotional and physical tolls of masking—and learn how to unmask safely in supportive environments.Strengthen communication skills while honoring your unique neurodiverse perspective.Enhance your social and emotional awareness with actionable techniques tailored for Autistic adults.Forge deeper, more meaningful connections built on mutual respect and understanding.Build unshakable confidence to set boundaries, advocate for your needs, and live authentically without fear.Master stress management techniques tailored for autistic adults, helping you navigate overwhelming situations with ease.Unlock the secrets to creating sensory-friendly environments that promote calm, focus, and well-being.And so much more!If you are ready to transform how you engage with the world and unlock your full potential, scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now to start your journey to living authentically and thriving unapologetically.
This groundbreaking guide isn't just another self-help book—it's a transformative toolkit designed to help you break free from societal expectations and embrace your individuality with confidence.
Whether you've been masking for years or are just beginning to explore your authentic self, this book is designed to support you every step of the way.
You might be "I've been masking for so long—can I really change now?" or "This book will not understand my unique situation."
Written by experts who deeply understand the Autistic experience, Unmasking Adult Autism provides compassionate guidance, real-life examples, and step-by-step strategies tailored to your unique journey. It meets you where you are, helping you create a safer, more authentic path forward—no matter your starting point.
Inside, you'll discover how
Uncover the hidden emotional and physical tolls of masking—and learn how to unmask safely in supportive environments.Strengthen communication skills while honoring your unique neurodiverse perspective.Enhance your social and emotional awareness with actionable techniques tailored for Autistic adults.Forge deeper, more meaningful connections built on mutual respect and understanding.Build unshakable confidence to set boundaries, advocate for your needs, and live authentically without fear.Master stress management techniques tailored for autistic adults, helping you navigate overwhelming situations with ease.Unlock the secrets to creating sensory-friendly environments that promote calm, focus, and well-being.And so much more!If you are ready to transform how you engage with the world and unlock your full potential, scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now to start your journey to living authentically and thriving unapologetically.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
192 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 16, 2025
This book feels a bit like Mad Libs. It took a bog standard and somewhat shallow primer about communication, and at intervals, added in the words "autism," and "masking," in ways that don't always make sense. The first half of the book more or less tells you how to mask, and suggests that you do it. I would estimate that there are about three to five pages here that actually address autism, and generally very shallowly, rather like the rest of the book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I feel like most of the reviews I have seen of this book are either by people who have not read it, or more likely, are written by AI like I suspect this book might have been. This book definitely feels like a cynical cash grab, but beyond that, it has such a limited understanding of the topic that it actively does harm to its audience by giving them harmful strategies designed to keep them masking and stressed. I will actively steer people away from this book. I don't have great recommendations for books about the subject, since I have learned a great deal through articles and videos, though I am enjoying Autism Feels by Orion Kelly so far, and I will personally avoid any book that doesn't have a person willing to put their name on it as the author in the future.
April 24, 2025
I Feel Privileged
Reading ‘Unmasking’ felt like being invited to an intimate discussion between neurodivergent individuals who have given me permission to take notes, clarify responses and LEARN.
As the mother of an adult who is neurodivergent, I have so many questions I did not know how to ask. Or that I never thought to ask. It is refreshing to gain understanding that is not narrowly focused or over generalized. I had so many lightbulb moments in the first chapter that I shared this with my son to see how close to lived experience ‘Unmasked’ came. His nod assured me that I needed to keep reading.
Thank you for the gift of grace for the things we got wrong, patience as we continue to learn❣️
Reading ‘Unmasking’ felt like being invited to an intimate discussion between neurodivergent individuals who have given me permission to take notes, clarify responses and LEARN.
As the mother of an adult who is neurodivergent, I have so many questions I did not know how to ask. Or that I never thought to ask. It is refreshing to gain understanding that is not narrowly focused or over generalized. I had so many lightbulb moments in the first chapter that I shared this with my son to see how close to lived experience ‘Unmasked’ came. His nod assured me that I needed to keep reading.
Thank you for the gift of grace for the things we got wrong, patience as we continue to learn❣️
April 16, 2025
As an adult autistic, I would not discover the term “masking” until later in adulthood, meaning to publicly conceal the traits that define your autism. The author Neuro Nurture (which is obviously a pseudonym) wrote the book Unmaking Adult Autism as a guide to help adult high-functioning autistics understand themselves better, and as I received an offer where I could read it for free, I obliged. The introduction reveals how the author felt drained at a noisy situation and an incoherent waitress at a San Francisco restaurant, being in the crossroads of making and being themself. The main goal is to give tips for autistics, break down barriers, and embrace their identities.
The first chapter indicates that autism is a spectrum because it is experienced differently, with symptoms appearing in the first two years. The author claims it is not a disability but rather a neurological difference, which is to me half-right and half-wrong. For some like me, it definitely cripples many of my abilities, while I am still good at others, but I think legally, especially for the low-functioning autistics, it should be legally considered a permanent disability. Society needs to acknowledge the contributions to society by autistics, and there are many I highly respect like Temple Grandin and a certain current important nongovernmental official. Autistics need to be listened to and valued, and masking can lead to mental illness, with spaces where they can express themselves without fear being necessary, alongside strong social networks.
The second chapter provides basic unmasking strategies, where autistics need to do so gradually, find safe spaces, and self-reflect. Authenticity and social demands need to be balanced, and mixed reactions to autistic behavior anticipated. Autistics need to become better observers, be ready to compromise, define their needs, identify their triggers, adjust, seek professional help when necessary, set boundaries, stay flexible, mull past experiences, and track current ones. All this is never a linear journey.
The third chapter provides tips on how autistics can gain greater social and emotional awareness, with the need to understand cues in interactions. The author says that eye contact is important, although I prefer to avoid it since I would rather pay attention to words than faces, especially if the speakers are ugly or angry. They give various practice exercises, like recognizing tone, roleplay, self-awareness, and deep-breathing. Autistics should be mindful, visualize, stay active, understand social and conversational cues, read tone, read facial expressions and gestures (though I find both to be distracting), and provide proxemics, or personal space. Asking personal questions is necessary, as is creating conversation starters, although the author warns against not rambling on about your special interests, to be an active listener and have an exit strategy without seeming rude. Understanding emotional cues and body language is also necessary.
The fourth chapter says that autistics should embrace their authenticity in personal and social contexts, identify personal strengths, and self-assess. They mention three processes, the first being STOP: pause and reflect, take a breath, observe thoughts and emotions, and practice regularly. The second is RAIN: recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture, with experience needing integration. The third is setting SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Autistics should note what people say and what situations cause doubt, to use authenticity for self-empowerment and social coping, to identify and minimize triggers, and to set realistic goals.
The fifth chapter says that understanding neurotypicals involves knowing social patterns, with communication needed to form connections and enhance empathy. One must understand neurotypical perspectives like social norms, when they offer support and verbal cues. Autistics must learn by observing, practice empathy, listen actively, ask clarifying questions, focus on commonalities rather than differences, have social scripts, safety, and break down barriers. One must beware body language, consider social context and tone and seek feedback. Culture can influence interaction, autistics must acknowledge nuances, and understand neurotypical perspectives, which I mostly find weird. One must in the end remember to learn and grow.
The sixth chapter says we must embrace greater authenticity in interactions, identify supportive relationships, be emotionally available and validate, create a support network, maintain authentic relationships, celebrate the uniqueness of others, and overcome relational conflicts. Autistics need to openly discuss things with their families to understand, which I try to do, although even with “professional” special education training, my parents are still really unenlightened, as are my siblings. They need to nurture long-term connections, express gratitude, and evaluate relationship dynamics.
The seventh chapter notes that unmasking is a good step to communicate advocacy for autistic adults. They must articulate clearly and use “I statements” to avoid casting blame, which is new advice for me and I’ll try to use next time I have issues with my family. They should seek supportive communities to overcome fears, think about their needs, and compromise skillfully. Laws like ADA exist, with autistics needing to ensure their workplaces respect them, which mine did up until I was abruptly terminated. They must persist in self-advocacy, build their personal narratives, encourage active participation, collaborate in storytelling, use the right channels, and engage with local organizations.
The final chapter says autistics must embrace their identities while striving for communication improvements, get outside their comfort zones, be resilient, use networks for growth, seek mentors, and get meaningful connections. Authenticity is the key, and they shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable (although that’s bitten me dozens of times, and I’m very emotionally fragile). Keeping a progress journal is recommended, alongside feedback from trusted people, which should be applied to genuine change, not to mention identifying areas for development.
The conclusion states that understanding masking can lead to self-awareness, alongside effective advocacy for navigating various aspects of life and adaptation to new environments. Overall, this is a good book for adult autistics, which is mostly relatable as I detest things like noisy situations. The author notes that autism is a spectrum, which supremacist one-size-fits-all organizations like the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network seem to constantly forget, and that symptoms appear early in life, with my diagnosis coming when I was an infant. There are still points I disagree with like making yourself vulnerable and to understand neurotypicals, but I’ve been burned endlessly by them. Overall, a decent recommended read for autistic adults.
The first chapter indicates that autism is a spectrum because it is experienced differently, with symptoms appearing in the first two years. The author claims it is not a disability but rather a neurological difference, which is to me half-right and half-wrong. For some like me, it definitely cripples many of my abilities, while I am still good at others, but I think legally, especially for the low-functioning autistics, it should be legally considered a permanent disability. Society needs to acknowledge the contributions to society by autistics, and there are many I highly respect like Temple Grandin and a certain current important nongovernmental official. Autistics need to be listened to and valued, and masking can lead to mental illness, with spaces where they can express themselves without fear being necessary, alongside strong social networks.
The second chapter provides basic unmasking strategies, where autistics need to do so gradually, find safe spaces, and self-reflect. Authenticity and social demands need to be balanced, and mixed reactions to autistic behavior anticipated. Autistics need to become better observers, be ready to compromise, define their needs, identify their triggers, adjust, seek professional help when necessary, set boundaries, stay flexible, mull past experiences, and track current ones. All this is never a linear journey.
The third chapter provides tips on how autistics can gain greater social and emotional awareness, with the need to understand cues in interactions. The author says that eye contact is important, although I prefer to avoid it since I would rather pay attention to words than faces, especially if the speakers are ugly or angry. They give various practice exercises, like recognizing tone, roleplay, self-awareness, and deep-breathing. Autistics should be mindful, visualize, stay active, understand social and conversational cues, read tone, read facial expressions and gestures (though I find both to be distracting), and provide proxemics, or personal space. Asking personal questions is necessary, as is creating conversation starters, although the author warns against not rambling on about your special interests, to be an active listener and have an exit strategy without seeming rude. Understanding emotional cues and body language is also necessary.
The fourth chapter says that autistics should embrace their authenticity in personal and social contexts, identify personal strengths, and self-assess. They mention three processes, the first being STOP: pause and reflect, take a breath, observe thoughts and emotions, and practice regularly. The second is RAIN: recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture, with experience needing integration. The third is setting SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Autistics should note what people say and what situations cause doubt, to use authenticity for self-empowerment and social coping, to identify and minimize triggers, and to set realistic goals.
The fifth chapter says that understanding neurotypicals involves knowing social patterns, with communication needed to form connections and enhance empathy. One must understand neurotypical perspectives like social norms, when they offer support and verbal cues. Autistics must learn by observing, practice empathy, listen actively, ask clarifying questions, focus on commonalities rather than differences, have social scripts, safety, and break down barriers. One must beware body language, consider social context and tone and seek feedback. Culture can influence interaction, autistics must acknowledge nuances, and understand neurotypical perspectives, which I mostly find weird. One must in the end remember to learn and grow.
The sixth chapter says we must embrace greater authenticity in interactions, identify supportive relationships, be emotionally available and validate, create a support network, maintain authentic relationships, celebrate the uniqueness of others, and overcome relational conflicts. Autistics need to openly discuss things with their families to understand, which I try to do, although even with “professional” special education training, my parents are still really unenlightened, as are my siblings. They need to nurture long-term connections, express gratitude, and evaluate relationship dynamics.
The seventh chapter notes that unmasking is a good step to communicate advocacy for autistic adults. They must articulate clearly and use “I statements” to avoid casting blame, which is new advice for me and I’ll try to use next time I have issues with my family. They should seek supportive communities to overcome fears, think about their needs, and compromise skillfully. Laws like ADA exist, with autistics needing to ensure their workplaces respect them, which mine did up until I was abruptly terminated. They must persist in self-advocacy, build their personal narratives, encourage active participation, collaborate in storytelling, use the right channels, and engage with local organizations.
The final chapter says autistics must embrace their identities while striving for communication improvements, get outside their comfort zones, be resilient, use networks for growth, seek mentors, and get meaningful connections. Authenticity is the key, and they shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable (although that’s bitten me dozens of times, and I’m very emotionally fragile). Keeping a progress journal is recommended, alongside feedback from trusted people, which should be applied to genuine change, not to mention identifying areas for development.
The conclusion states that understanding masking can lead to self-awareness, alongside effective advocacy for navigating various aspects of life and adaptation to new environments. Overall, this is a good book for adult autistics, which is mostly relatable as I detest things like noisy situations. The author notes that autism is a spectrum, which supremacist one-size-fits-all organizations like the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network seem to constantly forget, and that symptoms appear early in life, with my diagnosis coming when I was an infant. There are still points I disagree with like making yourself vulnerable and to understand neurotypicals, but I’ve been burned endlessly by them. Overall, a decent recommended read for autistic adults.
September 6, 2025
This actually felt like a "how mask better" book. So much discussion about ways to fit in more with neurotypical expectations.
April 24, 2025
Unmasking Adult Autism by Neuro Nurture (available on Amazon) starts off by breaking down what Autism is and what masking is. Masking, for the uninitiated, is when you hide your Autistic traits to “fit in” to a neurotypical world as a neurodiverse individual.
Masking is something every Autistic person (both adults and children) experience in their daily lives. Masking takes up a lot of our energy and leaves us feeling exhausted. Masking out true identities by hiding our Autistic traits often leaves us questioning who we are authentically – in other words it can lead to an identity crisis and may even lead to mental health issues.
After laying the foundation of what Autism and masking are, Unmasking Adult Autism goes into basic strategies you can start using today to remove the mask and live as your authentic Autistic self.
To assist you on your journey, Unmasking Adult Autism guides you through an important step in unmasking: gaining greater social and emotional awareness.
This section Unmasking Adult Autism covers facial expressions, recognizing tone of voice and more.
The book makes the excellent point that unmasking and growing your self-confidence go hand in hand. Simply put, when you unmask you will grow your self-confidence and when your self-confidence grows, you will feel more confident in unmasking.
Unmasking Adult Autism goes beyond just unmasking, this book also goes into empathy and the thought processes of neurotypical people which can help you better understand your neurotypical friends as you unmask.
Unmasking Adult Autism also shares practical steps to help you build or rebuild relationships after you unmask because unmasking can be a major change in who you are around others and knowing how to develop relationships with others with your new identity is important.
I recommend this book to every Autistic adult, especially those who suspect they are Autistic to late diagnosed Autistic adults – and everyone in-between as this book will help you understand how to take the mask off and live life as your authentic Autistic self.
I also recommend this book to our allies as it will give our allies a guide to better understand us and how we live life on the spectrum.
Disclosure: I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of this book. The author(s) of this book did not have access to this review before it was first published online.
Masking is something every Autistic person (both adults and children) experience in their daily lives. Masking takes up a lot of our energy and leaves us feeling exhausted. Masking out true identities by hiding our Autistic traits often leaves us questioning who we are authentically – in other words it can lead to an identity crisis and may even lead to mental health issues.
After laying the foundation of what Autism and masking are, Unmasking Adult Autism goes into basic strategies you can start using today to remove the mask and live as your authentic Autistic self.
To assist you on your journey, Unmasking Adult Autism guides you through an important step in unmasking: gaining greater social and emotional awareness.
This section Unmasking Adult Autism covers facial expressions, recognizing tone of voice and more.
The book makes the excellent point that unmasking and growing your self-confidence go hand in hand. Simply put, when you unmask you will grow your self-confidence and when your self-confidence grows, you will feel more confident in unmasking.
Unmasking Adult Autism goes beyond just unmasking, this book also goes into empathy and the thought processes of neurotypical people which can help you better understand your neurotypical friends as you unmask.
Unmasking Adult Autism also shares practical steps to help you build or rebuild relationships after you unmask because unmasking can be a major change in who you are around others and knowing how to develop relationships with others with your new identity is important.
I recommend this book to every Autistic adult, especially those who suspect they are Autistic to late diagnosed Autistic adults – and everyone in-between as this book will help you understand how to take the mask off and live life as your authentic Autistic self.
I also recommend this book to our allies as it will give our allies a guide to better understand us and how we live life on the spectrum.
Disclosure: I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of this book. The author(s) of this book did not have access to this review before it was first published online.
May 3, 2025
I am neurospicy, or neurosparkly; take your pick. I do not have a formal diagnosis of autism, adhd, or other forms of neurodivergence, but I have spent most of my life trying to hide the ways I am neurologically different from the norm. As I started my journey of self-discovery and trying to live more authentically, I’ve sought out books on unmasking. I received an advanced readers copy of this book and have been slow at getting my review written.
This is an important book, especially right now, as the war on autism heats up. I encourage you to read it, but to know, before you start, more about the book. I don’t feel that the title adequately describes the book, and it wasn’t the book I was looking for.
I was hoping for a book that would help me understand my masks a little better, maybe something like a Jungian exploration of neurosparkly masks. Okay, that’s perhaps a little too neurosparkly for the mass market.
Instead, this book did a few other important things. First, it provides some framework for everyone who is trying to move autism and other forms of neurodivergence away from a pathology model. We are all different and we need to find ways to live with and celebrate the differences. Unmasking adult autism focuses on personal growth, especially around communicating more effectively with neurotypical people. This is helpful. This is important. At times, it feels a little too neurotypical-centric, a little too apologetic, a little too close to the pathology-based understanding of autism.
Read this book. Embrace your neurodivergence. Find other neurodivergent people you can connect with to explore your neurodivergence even more deeply.
This is an important book, especially right now, as the war on autism heats up. I encourage you to read it, but to know, before you start, more about the book. I don’t feel that the title adequately describes the book, and it wasn’t the book I was looking for.
I was hoping for a book that would help me understand my masks a little better, maybe something like a Jungian exploration of neurosparkly masks. Okay, that’s perhaps a little too neurosparkly for the mass market.
Instead, this book did a few other important things. First, it provides some framework for everyone who is trying to move autism and other forms of neurodivergence away from a pathology model. We are all different and we need to find ways to live with and celebrate the differences. Unmasking adult autism focuses on personal growth, especially around communicating more effectively with neurotypical people. This is helpful. This is important. At times, it feels a little too neurotypical-centric, a little too apologetic, a little too close to the pathology-based understanding of autism.
Read this book. Embrace your neurodivergence. Find other neurodivergent people you can connect with to explore your neurodivergence even more deeply.
January 27, 2026
This is a no from me. I would have hoped to see more focus on the autistic community and intersectionality rather than suggestions of how to integrate yourself. It felt like the message was “take accountability for not fitting in but also you still need to do the work to fit in”
The line that got me was “autism is not a disability”. Yes it literally is. How DISABLED you feel by it is your subjective experience. Not the autistic community as a whole. Embrace the identity was the message I wanted more of.
The line that got me was “autism is not a disability”. Yes it literally is. How DISABLED you feel by it is your subjective experience. Not the autistic community as a whole. Embrace the identity was the message I wanted more of.
April 24, 2025
Great for newly diagnosed autistics
This is a great book on adult autism. This book is sensitive to the reader while empowering them with tools to deal with autism. This book has a lot of sound advice that will take you through life. This is a great book if you are newly diagnosed.
This is a great book on adult autism. This book is sensitive to the reader while empowering them with tools to deal with autism. This book has a lot of sound advice that will take you through life. This is a great book if you are newly diagnosed.
September 26, 2025
This book was too shallow to be of any real use. Maybe if someone had never heard of autism it would be useful? Though even then, it's so shallow that I feel like the people who would benefit would not be able to read the book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews