Book Review: Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price.
A thoughtful reflection from a person of faith navigating self-discovery.
Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price is, in many ways, a beautiful and timely book. It is bold in its voice, compassionate in its tone, and groundbreaking in the way it confronts the often-overlooked internal experiences of autistic individuals—particularly those who have spent years hiding their true selves in order to fit into a neurotypical world. For anyone who has ever wondered if they or someone they love might be on the autism spectrum, this book offers an illuminating and affirming journey. It is especially important for families, friends, educators, and those exploring their own neurodivergence.
As someone of faith—and someone who is also seriously considering the possibility that I may be on the spectrum myself—I began this book with a sense of both curiosity and hope. I found the Introduction and Chapter 1 deeply moving. Dr. Price’s way of expressing complex psychological truths in language that feels accessible, human, and heartfelt is nothing short of a gift. I was struck by the sensitivity with which they wrote about masking: the exhausting emotional labor many autistic people undertake in order to appear “normal,” and the toll that this takes over time. That idea alone resonated with me powerfully, and I felt seen in a way I hadn’t expected.
Dr. Price does an excellent job of explaining how society often rewards those who suppress their authentic selves and punishes those who don’t. The message is clear: autistic people are not broken—they are navigating a world that often refuses to make room for their unique ways of being. This insight is empowering, and it’s one I wholeheartedly affirm. We are all, in some way, fearfully and wonderfully made, and no one should have to pretend to be someone they’re not just to be accepted.
However, I must also speak honestly about where my reading experience shifted. After Chapter 1, I found myself at a crossroads. Beginning in Chapter 2, the book takes a turn by incorporating discussions around gender identity, sexuality, and other sociocultural topics that, while meaningful to some readers, pulled me out of the deeply human and psychological core that first drew me in.
As a person of faith, I hold certain convictions about gender and sexuality that are deeply rooted in my spiritual understanding of human identity. While I absolutely respect the right of every individual to walk their own path and tell their own story—and I acknowledge that for many, these aspects of identity are inextricably linked—I personally found the blending of neurodivergence with LGBTQ+ topics to be a detour that didn’t resonate with me. It felt as if the book was trying to accomplish too much at once, and in doing so, lost some of the focused insight that made its opening so powerful.
I want to be clear: I do not question Dr. Price’s sincerity or the importance of the work they’re doing. I believe this book will be a lifeline for many readers—especially those navigating both autism and other intersecting identities. The need for inclusion and visibility is real, and I respect anyone who finds healing and empowerment through these pages. But for me personally, I wished the book had remained centered on the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of masking without becoming entwined with broader political or social frameworks.
In stepping away from the book, I did so not out of anger or rejection, but with a quiet sense of disappointment. I was ready to continue a journey of self-discovery and affirmation through the lens of autism and mental health. But I had to remain true to the path of faith and conscience that guides me.
Even so, I believe Dr. Price’s work deserves recognition for its boldness and authenticity. They have added a valuable voice to the conversation about neurodiversity, and for that, I am grateful. If nothing else, Unmasking Autism helped me name some truths about myself that I had long suspected but never had the language to express. And that is no small thing.
In the end, I offer this review with humility and hope. We need many voices in the room—diverse, even conflicting—because it is only through honest dialogue that we grow. I pray that each reader finds what they need in these pages, as I did, even if only for a chapter or two.