Publisher's Synopsis
Numerous "masked" Autistic persons pass as neurotypical for every visible Autistic person you encounter. To conform to cultural standards, masking is a typical coping strategy used by autistic persons. In doing so, they create a fake identity at the risk of their mental well-being. To avoid being seen as needy or "strange," they may repress innocuous stims, mask communication difficulties by being modest and mild-mannered, or put themselves in circumstances that make them very anxious.
To better understand and appreciate those who are neurodiverse, the most important thing we can do is educate ourselves about autism. Nobody should have to alter who they are in order to satisfy someone else or a certain group. The general public needs to know more about autism. Every educational program need to include autism instruction. Less stigma and pressure to fit in will be felt by autistic persons as a result of our increased knowledge and understanding. Everyone should have access without having to "suck it up" as society expects before extending a ticket to those of us in disadvantaged groups.
