Are you ADHD and wondering if you’re maybe also autistic? Newly identified autistic and/or ADHD and wanting to explore your identity? Know someone who is autistic or ADHD and not sure how to support them?
Join me for a book club: Unmasking Autism - 8 chapters in 8 weeks.
Wednesdays, October 9 - November 27, 11-11:45am Pacific, via Zoom.
Join me in a brave space where we share our experiences on autism, ADHD, and unmasking. We share, listen, and learn from each other, experience new perspectives, and feel more connected to ourselves and each other as a result.Â
All you need to bring is real curiosity – about yourself and those around you.Â
Click on the image below to see it in your time zone and add it to your calendar!
When do we meet?
We meet Wednesdays from October 9 - November 27 at 11-11:45am Pacific Time.
Click here to see the event in your time zone and add it to your calendar: https://tidycal.com/hannakeiner/unmasking-autism-book-club
Note! Daylight Savings Time ends during our eight weeks together: On October 27th in Europe and on November 3rd in the US so you’ll notice a shift in time on October 30th. Use the booking link to have the correct meeting time on your calendar.
How do I join?
Book via TidyCal. This lets me know who to expect and it allows you to add all 8 sessions to your calendar; Zoom link included. (Recommended)
Note: you can still join even if you don’t book; and it’s fine if you book but then don’t join.
Subscribe to Purposeful Connection to receive updates in your email. I will include the Zoom link in my weekly Purposeful Connection newsletter.
Bookmark this page - I will add the Zoom link for each session there.
Why this series?Â
ADHD and autism have traditionally been defined by their outward behaviors. Recently, there’s been a shift toward understanding these differences from the inside out.Â
The focus on the internal experience has been illuminating for so many of us who have always felt out of place and are now able to make sense of their experiences.Â
However, the burden of dismantling stereotypes and educating others usually falls on us. On top of it, sharing our internal experiences can be vulnerable and difficult, especially when it hasn’t always been met with empathy and compassion.Â
I want to create a space not only for self exploration but also for opening up to one another; a space for Autistics and ADHDers to be brave and share their experiences of the world; a space for those who are new to the topic to be curious, ask, and listen.Â
Who can join?
Anyone who is curious about Unmasking Autism: ADHDer, autistic, allistic, neurotypical, neuroqueering, unsure, questioning, etc.
If you don’t know much about autism or ADHD and want to support a loved one, you’re welcome, too.
Why this book?Â
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price is usually the first book that is recommended for anyone who is exploring their neurodivergence and wants to peel back the layers and re-connect to themselves. It includes exercise and activities on unmasking - great for exploring our identities.Â
It also is a blend of personal experience, history, and social science research, making it personal and informative - great for unlearning stereotypes.
How do you guarantee a safe space?Â
I can’t guarantee a safe space, which is why this is a brave space. We’ll agree on meeting norms before each session. Everyone is welcome to show up in a way that is most comfortable for them. Curiosity, respect, and compassion for one another are the key.Â
What is the structure of each session?
Welcome
Chapter Review
Open Conversation
Closing Thoughts
Audiobook or hardcover?Â
You can use the audio book version, but note that it includes reflection questions and exercises. You can access those here:Â https://content.randomhouse.com/assets/9780593235249/index.php
Don’t forget to check your local library for a copy, but keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to keep it for 8 weeks.Â
Can you provide reflection/ discussion prompts up front?Â
No. I have read this book once before but want to read it now with fresh eyes alongside you, so I do not have reflection questions prepared ahead of time. However, I don’t want you to feel pressured to remember details from the book. I invite you to show up as you are and be present for the conversation.Â
What if I haven’t read a chapter? Can I still join?Â
Yes. We will start with a chapter summary so we are on the same page.Â
What if I miss a session?Â
Join as many or as few sessions as you like. No worries if you miss one.Â
About Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity.
In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. Most masked Autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. They are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. Dr. Price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including: • Celebrating special interests • Cultivating Autistic relationships • Reframing Autistic stereotypes • And rediscovering your values.
In embracing neurodiversity, we can all reap the rewards of nonconformity and learn to live authentically, Autistic and neurotypical people alike.
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Add all eight book club sessions to your calendar now:
Have a great weekend!
-Hanna
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I was literally just talking to my wife about ADHD and 'The Spectrum' and that I think ADHD will eventually be rolled into the spectrum. There is just so much overlap. That being said, I'm not a licensed professional, so my word is just the word of an enthusiastic amateur.
My wife has heard of the book, but hasn't read it... neither have I. For some reason I let her read about the Autism stuff since she has it, and then her knowledge trickles down to knowledge for our daughter. Not sure why I'm sitting on the sidelines about it.
Love this, I'm going to try to join. Ive taken tests that make me think I'm possibly on the spectrum, and I'd love to learn more.