Unmasking Autism

Download Unmasking Autism full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Unmasking Autism ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Unmasking Autism

Author : DeVon Price
Publisher : Endeavour
ISBN 13 : 9781800960565
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (65 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Unmasking Autism by : DeVon Price

Download or read book Unmasking Autism written by DeVon Price and published by Endeavour. This book was released on 2024-01-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Reading this felt like being at home - I didn't realise how much I masked. What an incredible book that I know will be re-read many times over.' - Dr Camilla Pang, author of Explaining Humans 'Unmasking Autism is at once a most deeply personal and scholarly account of the damage caused by autistic (and all) people leading masked lives, and how unmasking is essential to creating a self-determined, authentic life... This is a remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.' - Dr Barry M. Prizant, author of Uniquely Human 'A powerful argument for radical self-acceptance applicable to all readers.' - Los Angeles Times 'An essential roadmap for autistic people to be themselves.' - NPR 'Price's accessible and compassionate writing shines, and readers will feel encouraged to embrace a new understanding of themselves. Its potential to help masked autistic adults, especially those from systemically marginalized backgrounds, makes this book essential for most collections.' - Library Journal (starred review) Have you, a friend or family member been living with undiagnosed autism? For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless 'masked' people who pass as neurotypical. They don't fit the stereotypical mould of Autism and are often forced by necessity to mask who they are, spending their entire lives trying to hide their Autistic traits. In particular, there is evidence that Autism remains significantly undiagnosed in women, people of colour, trans and gender non-conforming people, many of whom are only now starting to recognise those traits later in life. Blending cutting-edge research, personal insights and practical exercises for self-expression, Dr Devon Price examines the phenomenon of 'masking', making a passionate argument for radical authenticity and non-conformity. A powerful call for change, Unmasking Autism gifts its readers with the tools to uncover their true selves and build a new society - one where everyone can thrive on their own terms.

Unmasking Autism

Author : Devon Price, PhD
Publisher : Harmony
ISBN 13 : 059323524X
Total Pages : 228 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (932 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Unmasking Autism by : Devon Price, PhD

Download or read book Unmasking Autism written by Devon Price, PhD and published by Harmony. This book was released on 2022-04-05 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity “A remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.”—Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless “masked” Autistic people who pass as neurotypical. Masking is a common coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their identifiably Autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. This can include suppressing harmless stims, papering over communication challenges by presenting as unassuming and mild-mannered, and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety, all so they aren’t seen as needy or “odd.” In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. Most masked Autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. They are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. Dr. Price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including: • Celebrating special interests • Cultivating Autistic relationships • Reframing Autistic stereotypes • And rediscovering your values It’s time to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of Autistic people so that they no longer have to mask—and it’s time for greater public acceptance and accommodation of difference. In embracing neurodiversity, we can all reap the rewards of nonconformity and learn to live authentically, Autistic and neurotypical people alike.

Summary of Devon Price's Unmasking Autism

Author : Everest Media,
Publisher : Everest Media LLC
ISBN 13 : 1669386341
Total Pages : 40 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (693 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Summary of Devon Price's Unmasking Autism by : Everest Media,

Download or read book Summary of Devon Price's Unmasking Autism written by Everest Media, and published by Everest Media LLC. This book was released on 2022-04-17T22:59:00Z with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Crystal’s grandfather, who was Autistic, did not want to diagnose his granddaughter, because he feared the consequences of having a disabled grandchild. He hid her condition from everyone, including Crystal, until his death. #2 Crystal’s story is common among Autistic people. They experience the world differently, but their parents and teachers don’t believe them when they say they are struggling. They push the label away, and tell their child to stop making such a fuss. #3 Crystal’s family still does not believe she is on the spectrum. They had every indication that she was hurting, but they didn’t want to see it. She was constantly fighting the urge to suck her fingers, and when people spoke to her, she had to forcefully point her attention at their words and face. #4 Autism is a neurological condition that is developmental in nature. It is largely genetically heritable, but it is also multiply determined, meaning it has no single cause. Every Autistic person’s brain is unique and exhibits its own distinct patterns of connectivity.

Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest

Author : Nancy Perry
Publisher : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1843109042
Total Pages : 274 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (431 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest by : Nancy Perry

Download or read book Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest written by Nancy Perry and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2009 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book shows that with appropriate lifelong care, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and fulfilling adult lives. It provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with ASDs need to live independently.

Autism as Context Blindness

Author : Peter Vermeulen
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781937473457
Total Pages : 471 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (734 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Autism as Context Blindness by : Peter Vermeulen

Download or read book Autism as Context Blindness written by Peter Vermeulen and published by . This book was released on 2013-03-01 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a new way of looking at autism by considering the impact of the context in which the person lives and where interventions are delivered.--Publisher.

We're Not Broken

Author : Eric Garcia
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin
ISBN 13 : 1328587843
Total Pages : 309 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (285 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis We're Not Broken by : Eric Garcia

Download or read book We're Not Broken written by Eric Garcia and published by Houghton Mifflin. This book was released on 2021 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book is a message from autistic people to their parents, friends, teachers, coworkers and doctors showing what life is like on the spectrum. It's also my love letter to autistic people. For too long, we have been forced to navigate a world where all the road signs are written in another language." With a reporter's eye and an insider's perspective, Eric Garcia shows what it's like to be autistic across America. Garcia began writing about autism because he was frustrated by the media's coverage of it; the myths that the disorder is caused by vaccines, the narrow portrayals of autistic people as white men working in Silicon Valley. His own life as an autistic person didn't look anything like that. He is Latino, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, and works as a journalist covering politics in Washington D.C. Garcia realized he needed to put into writing what so many autistic people have been saying for years; autism is a part of their identity, they don't need to be fixed. In We're Not Broken, Garcia uses his own life as a springboard to discuss the social and policy gaps that exist in supporting those on the spectrum. From education to healthcare, he explores how autistic people wrestle with systems that were not built with them in mind. At the same time, he shares the experiences of all types of autistic people, from those with higher support needs, to autistic people of color, to those in the LGBTQ community. In doing so, Garcia gives his community a platform to articulate their own needs, rather than having others speak for them, which has been the standard for far too long.

The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism

Author : Jennifer Kemp
Publisher : New Harbinger Publications
ISBN 13 : 168403809X
Total Pages : 183 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (84 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism by : Jennifer Kemp

Download or read book The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism written by Jennifer Kemp and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2021-12-01 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An innovative approach to help you maintain your high standards while also accepting mistakes with compassion and kindness. If you’re a perfectionist, you know there’s a helpful upside to pushing yourself toward excellence: achievement, success—and, hey, it can be fun and rewarding to work hard! But unhelpful perfectionism can just as easily work against you. It can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things out for fear of failure, judgment, or rejection; cause you to procrastinate; and make you feel like no matter what you achieve, you’ll never be good enough. Grounded in evidence-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), this workbook will help you discover what drives this ‘dark side’ of perfectionism, and develop the skills you need to overcome it—without lowering your standards. By leaning in to your values and treating yourself with kindness and compassion, you’ll learn to put mistakes in perspective without wallowing in self-criticism. Most importantly, you’ll find that you can allow for imperfection, without losing your drive to achieve. If you’re ready to stop unhealthy perfectionism from paralyzing your personal growth—and start embracing yourself as perfectly imperfect—this book will introduce you to a whole new you!

Laziness Does Not Exist

Author : Devon Price
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1982140119
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (821 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Laziness Does Not Exist by : Devon Price

Download or read book Laziness Does Not Exist written by Devon Price and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-01-04 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A social psychologist uncovers the psychological basis of the "laziness lie," which originated with the Puritans and has ultimately created blurred boundaries between work and life with modern technologies and offers advice for not succumbing to societal pressure to "do more."

Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded

Author : Barry M. Prizant
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1982193891
Total Pages : 368 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (821 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded by : Barry M. Prizant

Download or read book Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded written by Barry M. Prizant and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-04-19 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this newly revised and updated edition, one of the world's leading authorities on autism discusses how instead of curbing "autistic" behaviors, it's better to enhance abilities, build on strengths and offer supports that will lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life.

Unmasking Autism

Author : Devon Price
Publisher : National Geographic Books
ISBN 13 : 0593235231
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (932 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Unmasking Autism by : Devon Price

Download or read book Unmasking Autism written by Devon Price and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2022-04-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity “A remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.”—Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism For every visibly Autistic person you meet, there are countless “masked” Autistic people who pass as neurotypical. Masking is a common coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their identifiably Autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. This can include suppressing harmless stims, papering over communication challenges by presenting as unassuming and mild-mannered, and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety, all so they aren’t seen as needy or “odd.” In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. Most masked Autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. They are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. Dr. Price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including: • Celebrating special interests • Cultivating Autistic relationships • Reframing Autistic stereotypes • And rediscovering your values It’s time to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of Autistic people so that they no longer have to mask—and it’s time for greater public acceptance and accommodation of difference. In embracing neurodiversity, we can all reap the rewards of nonconformity and learn to live authentically, Autistic and neurotypical people alike.

Camouflage

Author : Sarah Bargiela
Publisher : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1785926675
Total Pages : 46 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (859 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Camouflage by : Sarah Bargiela

Download or read book Camouflage written by Sarah Bargiela and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2019-03-21 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Autism in women and girls is still not widely understood, and is often misrepresented or even overlooked. This graphic novel offers an engaging and accessible insight into the lives and minds of autistic women, using real-life case studies. The charming illustrations lead readers on a visual journey of how women on the spectrum experience everyday life, from metaphors and masking in social situations, to friendships and relationships and the role of special interests. Fun, sensitive and informative, this is a fantastic resource for anyone who wishes to understand how gender affects autism, and how to create safer supportive and more accessible environments for women on the spectrum.

Neurotribes

Author : Steve Silberman
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0399185615
Total Pages : 562 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (991 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Neurotribes by : Steve Silberman

Download or read book Neurotribes written by Steve Silberman and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2016-08-23 with total page 562 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This New York Times–bestselling book upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. What is autism? A lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more—and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years. Going back to the earliest days of autism research, Silberman offers a gripping narrative of Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, the research pioneers who defined the scope of autism in profoundly different ways; he then goes on to explore the game-changing concept of neurodiversity. NeuroTribes considers the idea that neurological differences such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD are not errors of nature or products of the toxic modern world, but the result of natural variations in the human genome. This groundbreaking book will reshape our understanding of the history, meaning, function, and implications of neurodiversity in our world.

Divergent Mind

Author : Jenara Nerenberg
Publisher : HarperCollins
ISBN 13 : 0062876813
Total Pages : 237 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (628 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Divergent Mind by : Jenara Nerenberg

Download or read book Divergent Mind written by Jenara Nerenberg and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2020-03-24 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: AUDIBLE EDITOR'S PICK A paradigm-shifting study of neurodivergent women—those with ADHD, autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder—exploring why these traits are overlooked in women and how society benefits from allowing their unique strengths to flourish. As a successful Harvard and Berkeley-educated writer, entrepreneur, and devoted mother, Jenara Nerenberg was shocked to discover that her “symptoms”--only ever labeled as anxiety-- were considered autistic and ADHD. Being a journalist, she dove into the research and uncovered neurodiversity—a framework that moves away from pathologizing “abnormal” versus “normal” brains and instead recognizes the vast diversity of our mental makeups. When it comes to women, sensory processing differences are often overlooked, masked, or mistaken for something else entirely. Between a flawed system that focuses on diagnosing younger, male populations, and the fact that girls are conditioned from a young age to blend in and conform to gender expectations, women often don’t learn about their neurological differences until they are adults, if at all. As a result, potentially millions live with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed neurodivergences, and the misidentification leads to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and shame. Meanwhile, we all miss out on the gifts their neurodivergent minds have to offer. Divergent Mind is a long-overdue, much-needed answer for women who have a deep sense that they are “different.” Sharing real stories from women with high sensitivity, ADHD, autism, misophonia, dyslexia, SPD and more, Nerenberg explores how these brain variances present differently in women and dispels widely-held misconceptions (for example, it’s not that autistic people lack sensitivity and empathy, they have an overwhelming excess of it). Nerenberg also offers us a path forward, describing practical changes in how we communicate, how we design our surroundings, and how we can better support divergent minds. When we allow our wide variety of brain makeups to flourish, we create a better tomorrow for us all.

An Outsider's Guide to Humans

Author : Camilla Pang PhD
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 1984881655
Total Pages : 257 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (848 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis An Outsider's Guide to Humans by : Camilla Pang PhD

Download or read book An Outsider's Guide to Humans written by Camilla Pang PhD and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2021-12-07 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An instruction manual for life, love, and relationships by a brilliant young scientist whose Asperger's syndrome allows her--and us--to see ourselves in a different way...and to be better at being human Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight, Camilla Pang struggled to understand the world around her. Desperate for a solution, she asked her mother if there was an instruction manual for humans that she could consult. With no blueprint to life, Pang began to create her own, using the language she understands best: science. That lifelong project eventually resulted in An Outsider's Guide to Humans, an original and incisive exploration of human nature and the strangeness of social norms, written from the outside looking in--which is helpful to even the most neurotypical thinker. Camilla Pang uses a set of scientific principles to examine life's everyday interactions: - How machine learning can help us sift through data and make more rational decisions - How proteins form strong bonds, and what they teach us about embracing individual differences to form diverse groups - Why understanding thermodynamics is the key to seeking balance over seeking perfection - How prisms refracting light can keep us from getting overwhelmed by our fears and anxieties, breaking them into manageable and separate "wavelengths" Pang's unique perspective of the world tells us so much about ourselves--who we are and why we do the things we do--and is a fascinating guide to living a happier and more connected life.

This is Autism

Author : Aidan Allman-Cooper
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 238 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (744 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis This is Autism by : Aidan Allman-Cooper

Download or read book This is Autism written by Aidan Allman-Cooper and published by . This book was released on 2020-08-08 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You have probably always wanted to know what your loved one with Autism was thinking and why they do what they do. If you are like most of our clients, you probably have already tried getting help from a behavior therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and so many more professionals. They have been able to offer some help, but your child still feels like a mystery. No matter how good a professional is, they can't get inside of your child's head. The only person who can tell you what it's really like to be Autistic is someone living with Autism. That's how we can help. This is Autism compiles stories of eleven Autistic adults who share what Autism means to them and how it has impacted their lives. Parents just like you who have heard the stories of our contributors through our panel Ask an Autistic that inspired this book are saying: "The opportunity to tune in and not only listen to, but interact with all the panelists on Ask An Autistic has honestly been one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had as a parent of an Autistic child. Everyone on the panel is so willing to offer candid advice, kind words and a listening ear, which is oftentimes hard to find. Jessica does a great job moderating and provides insightful feedback and examples of things she has experienced from a professional perspective as well. I have gleaned so much valuable information from this opportunity and will continue to join in weekly!" Leeza Woodbury Amazing opportunity for parents and professionals combined. I am a parent and professional. It was nice to gain insight and have my questions answered by those who know the most in the field, the Autistic community themselves. Great resource, valuable information!! Jessica Freeman "Having a newly diagnosed son on the spectrum is fear of the unknown. Interacting with the panel and watching these videos is my guide on my journey to parenting." R.P. Start understanding the best way to support your loved one today by picking up your copy of This is Autism. You will never look at Autism the same way again!

Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking

Author : Emma Kendall
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 102 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (112 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking by : Emma Kendall

Download or read book Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking written by Emma Kendall and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-28 with total page 102 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You've heard of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) but have you ever heard of autism masking? If so, what does the term autism masking mean to you?Your response will undoubtedly be influenced by important factors such as: Are you on the autism spectrum?Do you support or care for somebody diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder?Are you an expert when it comes to understanding ASDs and supporting autistic people?Do you or a family member have a recent ASD diagnosis?Or, do you simply have an interest in learning all about ASDs?Whatever your situation is, when it comes to understanding ASDs there will always be something new to learn. That's because, autism spectrum disorders are complex and unique to each and every individual.Emma Kendall is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and holds a first-class degree in Autism: Special Education. In addition to this, her qualifications include Counselling, Communication and Personal Skills.Whilst at university, Emma studied and researched the social behaviour which is commonly referred to as autism masking or camouflaging. This required her to interact with and question autistic people to gain a clear understanding of this diverse topic.Emma shares her unique insights and personal experiences describing what autism masking is. She also reveals the intriguing motives for the use of this behaviour. Explaining how autistic people do this and why, and to what extent the mask is relied upon, as well as, uncovering fascinating details concerning the after effects and the long-term impact of autism masking.Emma is the author of Perfectly Autistic and Autistic Christmas

I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder

Author : Sarah Kurchak
Publisher : Douglas & McIntyre
ISBN 13 : 1771622474
Total Pages : 186 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (716 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder by : Sarah Kurchak

Download or read book I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder written by Sarah Kurchak and published by Douglas & McIntyre. This book was released on 2020-04-02 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sarah Kurchak is autistic. She hasn’t let that get in the way of pursuing her dream to become a writer, or to find love, but she has let it get in the way of being in the same room with someone chewing food loudly, and of cleaning her bathroom sink. In I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder, Kurchak examines the Byzantine steps she took to become “an autistic success story,” how the process almost ruined her life and how she is now trying to recover. Growing up undiagnosed in small-town Ontario in the eighties and nineties, Kurchak realized early that she was somehow different from her peers. She discovered an effective strategy to fend off bullying: she consciously altered nearly everything about herself—from her personality to her body language. She forced herself to wear the denim jeans that felt like being enclosed in a sandpaper iron maiden. Every day, she dragged herself through the door with an elevated pulse and a churning stomach, nearly crumbling under the effort of the performance. By the time she was finally diagnosed with autism at twenty-seven, she struggled with depression and anxiety largely caused by the same strategy she had mastered precisely. She came to wonder, were all those years of intensely pretending to be someone else really worth it? Tackling everything from autism parenting culture to love, sex, alcohol, obsessions and professional pillow fighting, Kurchak’s enlightening memoir challenges stereotypes and preconceptions about autism and considers what might really make the lives of autistic people healthier, happier and more fulfilling.