Dr. Devon Price, a social psychologist and proudly Autistic person, discusses the concepts of masking and authenticity and the importance of acceptance and accommodation for autistic individuals. They explore the impact of neurodiversity on psychology and psychiatry and the societal pressures faced by autistic individuals to mask or perform neurotypicality. They also emphasize the significance of connecting with autistic adults and breaking down biases and fears for parents and caregivers.
Embracing the word 'autistic' reduces stigma and emphasizes the need for identity-affirming language and embracing neurodiversity.
Understanding autism as a different way of being, not a defect or illness, positively impacts the diagnosis process, goal setting, and support for autistic individuals.
Refusing to perform neurotypicality and embracing authenticity is a revolutionary act of disability justice and self-love for autistic individuals.
Deep dives
Understanding Autism as an Identity
Autism is not a disease but a different way of thinking and learning, and embracing the word 'autistic' can help reduce stigma. Dr. Devin Price, a social psychologist and proudly autistic person, shares their personal journey and how being autistic influenced their career. They emphasize the need for identity-affirming language and advocate for embracing neurodiversity.
Challenging the Pathological Lens
The podcast explores the pathologizing lens through which psychiatry and psychology historically viewed autism. It highlights the importance of understanding autism as a different way of being rather than a defect or illness. Dr. Devin Price discusses the impact of this perspective on the diagnosis process, goal setting, and support for autistic individuals.
Unmasking Autism and Authenticity
Dr. Devin Price discusses the concept of masking, where autistic individuals suppress their true selves to fit into societal norms. They argue that refusing to perform neurotypicality is a revolutionary act of disability justice and self-love. Embracing authenticity and supporting autistic individuals in being true to themselves is essential for their well-being.
Supporting Autistic Clients and Cultivating Strengths
Therapists and educators play a crucial role in supporting autistic clients. Dr. Devin Price emphasizes the importance of empowering autistic individuals to say no, honoring their discomfort, and trusting their experiences. Creating space for pursuing special interests and building strengths can positively impact their well-being and self-esteem.
Building Acceptance, Community, and Agency
The podcast discusses the impact of societal pressures to mask and conform to neurotypical standards. Dr. Devin Price stresses the significance of building accepting communities and finding autistic role models for both autistic individuals and their parents. It also highlights the importance of promoting agency, autonomy, and consent for autistic individuals in various settings.
In this episode, our guest, Dr. Devon Price, helps us explore the concepts of masking and authenticity and how we, as professionals supporting Autistic people, can push back against these pressures. We also explore some of the more foundational questions around being Autistic and neurodiversity. Dr. Devon Price is a social psychologist, professor, author, and proudly Autistic person. He has written 'Unmasking Autism' and 'Laziness Doesn't Exist'.
View show notes and transcript at learnplaythrive.com/podcast
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