Unmasking for Life with Guest Devon Price

In this episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy speaks with social psychologist and author Dr. Devon Price about autistic masking and what it means to live authentically. Devon shares its journey of realization about autism and masking. We also discuss the myth of laziness, something many autistic folk feel guilty about. Needing help to get things done is common, yet so many people are labeled, or label themselves, as lazy.Drawing from the new book, Unmasking for Life, Devon explores how autistic people can move beyond survival and begin building lives that actually work for them. The conversation touches on self-advocacy, rejecting harmful productivity myths, and imagining new ways of living that honor autistic needs and strengths.Takeaways:Many autistic people grow up performing neuronormativity by masking their natural behaviorsThe myth of laziness harms autistic people. Needing help with tasks does not mean you are lazy or incapableAdjusting to an autism diagnosis often includes waves of shame and waves of self-acceptance. It's a long journey, but it's worth itRemember moments in your life when you felt yourself fully. That authentic version of you still existsHaving a life where you have the power to say what you are capable of and what you need is an important goalA fulfilling life can be completely different from what you've been told, which opens up limitless possibilitiesAbout Dr. Devon Price:Dr. Devon Price is a social psychologist, clinical associate professor at Loyola University Chicago, and an Autistic writer and advocate. Its books include Laziness Does Not Exist, Unlearning Shame, Unmasking Autism, and the recently released Unmasking for Life.Devon’s work explores neurodiversity, trauma recovery, anti-productivity, body liberation, queer culture, mental health anarchy, and social justice.Substack: drdevonprice.substack.comYouTube: @drdevonpriceAbout Your Host:Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity, self-understanding, and community. Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.comBooks Available on AmazonInstagram: @wendela.w.marshAdulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htmThank You for Listening:Thank you for joining us for this powerful conversation with Dr. Devon Price. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults, those who love them, and anyone wondering if they might be autistic themselves.YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism