Camille the Chameleon on Masking - by Glòria Durà-Vilà (Hardcover)

About the Book

Picture book for autistic children to help them understand masking before its effects become more damaging, told through the loveable and fun character of Camille the Chameleon.

Book Synopsis

Hi! I am Camille, the Chameleon. I'm very proud to say that, like you, I am autistic.

I have amazing talents but I'm also very good at camouflaging my difficulties and the trouble is that I don't let my true autistic colours shine through.

Do you want to find out how to really be yourself? With the help of Dr Glòria, I will share my story with you, and the stories of some other amazing autistic children too!"

This gentle and beautifully-illustrated picture book helps children understand what it means to mask, why this is bad for you, and the joy that is to be found when you can share and celebrate your true self.

Review Quotes

Camille describes the thoughts and feelings of a child who creates a social mask to hide their authentic self. The text is insightful and wise, and the illustrations are enchanting.--Professor Tony Attwood, author & Autism expert

A really charming book, full of beautiful colourful illustrations and the positive narrating voice of the wonderful Camille! The final promise is one I hold to every day and I hope everyone who reads this amazing book does too!--Helen Ellis, co-author of Autism & Masking

Camille helped me to know it was ok to be me and to have the confidence to try to figure out who I am without the mask. She helped me see that I am not alone and others feel like I do.--Imogen, age 11

I liked the book because it tells you things you need to know. Sometimes I have pretended I was ok when I wasn't. Like when I went to drama. I was too scared not to join in so I pretended I was having fun. The teachers even told my mummy how much fun I'd had but I hadn't really--Flora, age 6

This book gives a fun and individualised insight into masking for autistic children. I recommend it to families who want to understand masking alongside their children.--Dr Laura Hull, co-author of Autism and Masking

This book helped me to understand that although it is hard to show your real self sometimes it is important to express your feelings. The chameleon looked so much better when it showed its true colours.--Kamilla, age 10

About the Author

Dr Glòria Durà-Vila is a multi-award winning consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, author, and lecturer. She works in private practice (psychiatryinlondon.co.uk) and in the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust where she is Medical Lead for ASD. Her passion for communicating the Autism diagnosis to children in a personalised way, one that captures their strengths and difficulties within the Autism Spectrum, is central to her writing and her academic and clinical work.

Glòria was twice runner-up in the National Autistic Society's Autism Professionals Awards and was awarded a Clinical Excellence Award in 2018 and a triple Clinical Excellence Award in 2020 for her NHS work in Autism