Unmasking Mum: A Very Honest Guide to Life as a Neurodivergent Parent, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Raising the SEN-Betweeners

by Lisa Lloyd

So now it all makes sense. I am to blame for the ’tisms in this household, and the poor hubby is just stuck here in the middle of all of us, with our meltdowns, masking and madness. Once you know, it all starts to add up ...

Like any new parent, when Lisa Lloyd became a mum, her own needs were put at the bottom of a very long list. But for Lisa, adapting to her new life felt almost impossible. The sensory overload, the upheaval, the lack of personal space – how did anyone do it? What she didn’t know was that this was the start of a journey that would lead to her finally discovering who she really is.

In Unmasking Mum, Lisa shares the story of her autism diagnosis at age 41 to shine a light on the challenges of neurodivergent parenting. From autistic burnout, to being the ‘odd mum out’ and managing all the meltdowns (your own, as well as the kids’) – if you too are a parent with autism or ADHD, this candid guide and memoir will help you make sense of the rollercoaster ride we call ‘parenting’.

With honesty, humour and useful tips along the way, Lisa is pulling off the mask. It’s stuck quite hard, but bit-by-bit, it’s peeling away, revealing the real Lisa who has been hiding all along.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

Reviews

[Louise Ashdown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on from Lisa's last book, newly diagnosed herself with Autism Lisa talks about her struggles with bringing up her two neurodiverse children. She also gives advice at the end of each chapter and at the back of the book. This book is very informative to those who have children with autism spectrum disorder and pathology demand avoidance (asd, pda). It talks about educational health care plans (echp).

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lisa’s second book and it was fantastic. Whilst her first book was about having children with autism and PDA and that journey, this book was more focused on being a neurodivergent parent and what that looks like.
This book is about Lisa’s journey to being diagnosed and how she had adapted and masked her whole life to fit in. How getting her diagnosis and having children allowed her to finally take that mask off and learn who she is underneath.

Parenting is hard on the best of days. Parenting neurodivergent children is a whole other level. Add in being autistic yourself and parenting becomes a daily battle for balance. Supporting your children while trying to keep your own head above water. Trying to be everything that everyone around you needs but desperately trying to find moments of peace and rest for yourself. Trying to prevent burnout becomes a full time job.

I love Lisa’s humour and she always finds a way to thread some fun and joy into her stories.

I resonated with so much of Lisa’s story. This life can be unfathomable to anyone who lives outside of it and Lisa has done such a wonderful job of reassuring parents that we are doing our best and that that is always good enough.
Our families might not be on the typical path but that’s okay too.

[Sian May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an eye opening book it's a great read and Lisa writes so well you really understand what she's saying and a lot of what she's said is just like she's written about me so Thank you Lisa Lloyd for writing this book and make me look at myself closer as I feel like I may have a touch of the tisms rather than being odd

[Reka · Rating 2 out of 5]

listened as it came up on audible recommendations
pro: easy to read , she is funny
con: repetitive, sweeping generalisations about what it’s like for different groups, unnecessarily long, reductionist , just didn’t enjoy

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one word: brilliant. The most relatable book I've ever read. Filled with heart and humour, Lisa's voice shine through in this book. Essential for other autistic parents raising autistic children.