The Unmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults - by Jessica Penot (Paperback)

About the Book

In the not-so-distant past, autistic children were taught that their neurodivergent traits were unacceptable. As a result, many learned to "mask" at a young age--which has led to higher levels of stress, burnout, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and depression in adulthood. Written by a therapist who is also autistic, this neurodiversity-affirming workbook guides the reader to unmask, and provides the tools and skills needed to thrive authentically and succeed in a neurotypical world.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"TheUnmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults is an essential read. It offers a compassionate and insightful look at the challenges and joys of autistic life, with wonderful activities to help organize and manage one's thoughts and feelings. With a focus on promoting inclusion and self-empowerment, the book is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to make a positive difference in their lives."
--Francis Tabone, PhD, head of Cooke School and Institute, and author of The ASD Independence Workbook and Autism Spectrum Disorder--Francis Tabone, PhD

"A user-friendly and practical resource for those looking to gain a good understanding of the function masking serves in navigating their way through a neurotypical world, and how to 'take off the mask' to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Highly recommended for autistic folks that are looking for a 'map' to guide them through this process."
--Christopher J. Quarto, PhD, professor of professional counseling at Middle Tennessee State University, and host of the Adult Autism podcast--Christopher J. Quarto, PhD

"All autistic adults must read this book, as well as parents with newly diagnosed children. Such information was controversial when my book was published in 2000, championing the right of young people to understand their diagnosis. I am thrilled with Penot's new book! It takes this important work further by helping the adult reader 'find a path to living without the mask, ' as Penot eloquently writes, and provides a courageous and practical road map."
--Catherine Faherty, Social Stories Trainer; former TEACCH Advanced Consultant; Autism Society of NC Professional; and author of three books, including Autism...What Does It Mean To Me?--Catherine Faherty

"As a late-diagnosed autistic adult, this workbook will be a useful tool that I can use alongside neurodiversity-affirming therapy. This workbook will assist late-diagnosed adults in truly accepting themselves and rewriting negative self-concepts they've formed from growing up in a neurotypical world. I particularly love the way that the workbook elements are sprinkled throughout the illuminating and accessible text that the author has clearly crafted as a love letter to late-diagnosed autistic people."
--Kristen Hovet, MHS, host of The Other Autism podcast--Kristen Hovet, MHS

About the Author

Jessica Penot, LPC-S, is a supervising licensed professional counselor in Madison, AL, who specializes in treating trauma and supporting autistic people. She has more than twenty years of clinical experience, is founder and director of Tree of Life Behavioral Health, and has spoken and written about autism on platforms, including The Art of Autism and Psychology Today. Penot was diagnosed autistic in her forties, and has spent a significant amount of time working to understand the specific challenges and traumas autistic women face. Her research and work focus primarily on issues involving the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of autistic women, and the impact it has on their lives and mental health. She is an advocate for neuro-affirmative approaches to treatment, and works to help facilitate autistic women in moving from being self-critical to self-compassionate. Her perspective on autism comes not only from her clinical experience, research, and study, but also from her lived experience.