Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

The philosophical underpinnings of Price’s Unmasking Autism are deeply rooted in the social model of disability and the concept of neurodiversity. These frameworks represent a paradigm shift in understanding and approaching disability, contrasting significantly with the traditional medical model.

The medical model of disability, which has dominated for much of the 20th century, views disability as an individual’s medical problem that needs to be cured, treated, or mitigated. According to this model, disability is a deficit or abnormality within the individual, and the primary goal is to “fix” the disabled person to fit into the societal norms. This approach has led to a pathologizing view of conditions like Autism, where the focus is often on the symptoms and ways to “correct” them.

In stark contrast, the social model of disability posits that disability is not an inherent problem of the individual but is created by societal barriers and attitudes. This model, which emerged from disability rights movements in the 1970s and 1980s, emphasizes that people are disabled not solely by their medical conditions but by living in a society that is not accommodating of their differences. For instance, a person in a wheelchair isn’t disabled because of their inability to walk, but because the built environment around them is full of stairs and not ramps.

When applying the social model to Autism, the focus shifts from trying to “cure” or “normalize” Autistic individuals to adapting societal structures and attitudes to be more inclusive and accepting of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity, a term coined in the late 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, suggests that neurological variations like Autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others are natural human variations that should be respected and embraced, not pathologized. This concept is pivotal in understanding Autism not as a disorder to be fixed, but as a part of the natural diversity of human brains. The neurodiversity movement, which has gained considerable traction in recent years, aligns with the social model of disability by advocating for societal change rather than individual change. This perspective encourages the celebration of differences and calls for accommodations and support that allow Autistic individuals to live fulfilling lives. It also challenges the stigma and stereotypes associated with Autism, promoting acceptance and understanding.

Price’s Unmasking Autism resonates with these philosophical contexts. The book advocates for a shift away from viewing Autism through a lens of pathology and deficit, urging instead for a recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives of Autistic individuals. Price emphasizes the importance of understanding Autism within the social and neurodiversity frameworks, which advocate for societal adjustments and acceptance rather than trying to fit Autistic people into a narrow definition of “normal.” He devotes much of the book to unpacking and disputing stereotypes around Autism that view Autistic traits as burdensome, disruptive, deficient, or undesirable. The text encourages Autistics to reframe these traits as neutral or positive. Moreover, while Price addresses individuals directly, guiding them on an inner journey of “unmasking,” he also thoughtfully acknowledges societal barriers to unmasking, and calls for widespread societal change to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.