The Unmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults
Neurodiversity Affirming Skills to Help You Live Authentically, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive
by Jessica Penot
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Pub Date Nov 28 2024 | Archive Date Oct 01 2024
New Harbinger Publications | New Harbinger
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Description
Let this workbook guide you toward your authentic, autistic self. You don't have to hide anymore.
If you grew up before the neurodiversity movement, chances are you were taught at an early age that your autistic traits were "wrong" or "bad." Whether it was stimming, difficulties with making small talk, avoiding eye contact, sensitivities to loud sounds or certain textures, or even talking passionately about the things you care about-somewhere along the way you learned to mask these aspects of yourself to better fit in, avoid bullying from other kids, and in some cases to even gain the love of your own parents. The problem is that, over time, masking can lead to higher levels of stress, burnout, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression. So how can you be your authentic self and still succeed and thrive in a neurotypical world?
Written by a therapist who is actually autistic, this neurodiversity-affirming workbook offers skills to help you cultivate self-acceptance, manage intense emotions, and be your own advocate when needed. You'll take a good look at the situations or people that caused you to mask in the first place. You'll also discover:
·How to set and achieve your own authentic goals-with a clear view of who you are and what you care about
·Why self-love and self-acceptance is so important for autistic folks
·How to live your life on your own terms, while self-advocating for accommodations
·How to let go of old, hurtful messages about autistic people that you've internalized
·How autism can be both a strength and a disability
·Strategies to cope with burnout or meltdowns
·How to be assertive and set boundaries with others
You don't have to mask, hide, or camouflage any longer. Let this workbook guide you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. You are worthy of it. And you deserve it.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781648483509 |
| PRICE | £22.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 168 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Leila M, Reviewer
This review may slightly deviate from my typical style, as this is more of a therapy book. Fun little fact: I’m a provisional psychologist who is neurodivergent (ADHD), and I work with neurodivergent individuals.
The Unmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults immediately reminded me of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD, a book I love.
Both books offer reflective prompts and exercises to guide readers through self-discovery and personal growth. They help individuals better understand how their neurodivergence impacts their lives and empower them to embrace their strengths, which aligns with neuroaffirming practices. However, I think The Unmasking Workbook takes it a step further in terms of accessibility. The chapter headings are much more logical and structured, making it easier to navigate—something that’s essential in a neuroaffirming book for autistic individuals! I think that this may make it easier for clinicians to utilise.
As a clinician, I’ve found it incredibly challenging to locate neuroaffirming resources created by psychologists. So often, I find myself adapting mainstream therapeutic recommendations into a more neuroaffirming framework. It was refreshing to see that The Unmasking Workbook incorporates some of the practices I’ve already been using in my sessions.
This workbook strikes a solid balance between a strength-based approach while acknowledging the very real and intense struggle that autistic individuals face as they navigate a world that often isn’t designed for them to thrive in. This nuanced perspective is much appreciated, especially in therapeutic contexts.
I particularly loved the section on interest-based areas for "finding your tribe." It’s such a valuable approach, recognising how shared passions can foster connection and support. That said, I would have appreciated a few more burnout and practical tools, but perhaps that’s just me being a bit desperate for all the support in that realm!
I believe this workbook could be used effectively in therapy, but it also holds up well as a self-guided tool. Whether you're working through it in a clinical setting or individually, it offers valuable insights and practical tools for unmasking and self-understanding.
Thank you to NetGalley, New Harbinger Publishing, and the author, Jessica Penot, for providing this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Librarian 789836
This is such a great resource that will be helpful for so many, those that are autistic as well as their loved ones - I can't wait to be able to purchase this for my own library.
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