The must read Autistic Masking book from Kieran Rose and Dr Amy Pearson.
AUTISTIC MASKING - Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma
Kieran and Amy have poured heart and soul into creating a pivotal piece of literature. This book is a deep dive into autistic identity, using an intersectional lens to discuss topics such as social identity, the impacts of stigma and trauma, historical context and current research, and of course autistic masking and the impacts masking has on autistic people. Woven throughout is a narrative of hope - a push for positive changes. It really is a call to action for anyone who wants to make the world a better place for autistic people.
AW
via Amazon
Meet the authors of 'Autistic Masking'
Having co-authored multiple academic papers together on Autistic Masking and the interpersonal vicitimisation of Autistic People this is the first book from Kieran and Amy.
Dr Amy Pearson
Kieran Rose
As a NT psychotherapist with a ND partner I am always looking to improve my knowledge of autism, and if you are, too, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book. It is worth every penny. Currently studying a Masters and have cited this twice already and will no doubt do so again. It is an absolute gem that is full of useful references and the most up to date research, and at the same time makes new, and perhaps sometimes complex ideas, accessible. Perhaps a rare combination in this field, it is both a pleasure to read while being academically sound. Bravo to the authors!
Kirsty
Amazon
Synopsis of 'Autistic Masking'
Masking is a form of identity management involving consciously or unconsciously suppressing aspects of identity and action. Often seen in socially marginalised groups, it is found to contribute towards poorer outcomes for autistic people, and is related to higher prevalence of suicidality, exhaustion and burnout, and mental health difficulties. Autistic Masking offers a holistic understanding of the most up-to-date evidence in this field, with the aim of developing solid knowledge and practice in health, education and society.
Written to be accessible to everyday readers with an interest in autism as well as academics and professionals, the book deconstructs the predominant misconception that masking is purely a social strategy to ‘blend in’ with neurotypical (non-autistic) people. The authors consider the social context that facilitates impression management, including an individual’s response to stigma or trauma, and take an intersectional approach to exploring how autistic identity may interact with other aspects of selfhood.
REVIEWS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT
If you read the book please consider leaving a review as they really help potential readers decide if the book is for them.
Autistic Twitter perennially asks the question: What's your favourite/most useful book about autism? This book, I can say, is my new number one. (Bumping Nick Walker's "Neuroqueer Heresies" down to second.) I've only read the first two chapters so far but the presentation of the complex, nuanced history of autism alone puts it top of my list. It is clear, accessible, informative and doesn't make me want to throw it across the room (as most texts on this topic do, in one way or another.) Highly recommended.
J Taylor
via Amazon
PODCASTS FEATURING 'AUTISTIC MASKING'
Kieran and Amy have been thrilled to be asked to be guests on many podcasts to talk about the book and Autistic Masking in general.
We've linked to each episode below (and please check back as we will be adding more). All of Kieran's podcast interviews can be found on the Autism Podcasts Page.
Autism Stories with Doug Belcher, Autism Personal Coach
Autism Stories - Kieran Rose
"Our understanding of masking up until talking about this has been really, really limited, because it hasn't looked at the trauma aspect, it hasn't looked at the identity aspect. It's really been this superficial notion of, "Oh look, here's a social situation. I'm gonna pop a mask on, be a different person, and then at the end of it, I'll take it off again." Hopefully, what we want from this, is to encourage people to look at this in a much more deeper way, and not be as superficial around this narrative", says Kieran Rose.
Kieran joins this episode to discuss his new book that he co-wrote with Dr. Amy Pearson Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma.
Autistic Girls Network
The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast
Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose - Autistic Masking
Masking is something that impacts all autistic people. In this podcast, we speak to researchers and advocates, Dr Amy Pearson & Kieran Rose, who have recently published a book on the topic, “Autistic Masking”. They break down the complicated idea of masking, explain its impact and give advice for people navigating their own experience of masking.
‘I’m an autistic therapist who provides autism-focused and neurodiversity affirming therapy in California (USA). Dr. Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose’s work on autistic masking has played a fundamentally significant role in informing my therapy practice. Conceptualizing autistic masking as a trauma response has allowed me to better understand the psychological underpinnings of autistic burnout, stigmatization, and the intersection between autism and other marginalized identities. By applying this knowledge, I hope to inspire my clients to live more authentic and joyful lives. I believe that this latest book, Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma, will continue to be highly influential in my future therapeutic work.’
R Morgan
USA
This is an academic book, yet written in a clean, accessible style. Highly recommended for researchers, autistic adults, families, and really anyone who's has an autistic person in their lives. Oh and people in positions of power who 'don't see the autism', especially them.
Amazon Review
UK
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I know not everyone wants, or needs to buy one of my training courses, but I often find people will read one of my free articles and want to say ‘thank you’ (and this is really appreciated as they’re a lot of work to write!)
Buying me a virtual coffee is a really easy way to say thanks.
It also supports me to keep being able to create new, free content and also keep my older, free content up-to-date. It also allows me to keep my website ad-free.
My Autism FAQs page is a good place to start if you’re new to my work and want to explore more. Thanks for your support, Kieran.
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Kieran Rose - The Autistic Advocate; advocating for the Autistic community since 2017
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