What does unmasking mean for neurodivergent people? This social psychologist answers
This profile can be shared with students to enhance the visibility of psychologists of diverse backgrounds. As an additional activity, students can be asked to conduct research to learn more about the psychologist and their work. An alternative assignment could be to ask students to find other psychologists of diverse backgrounds whose work falls into this content pillar. Keywords highlight how psychological scientists study concepts within and across pillars.
Dr. Priceopens in new window (he/him) is an applied social psychologist, author, speaker, and professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Dr. Price received a doctorate in applied social psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and as a trans, autistic researcher and advocate, Dr. Price is a regular contributor to the public conversation on neurodiversity today. Dr. Price’s work has appeared in Slate, NPR, HuffPost, and Medium, and he is the author of three books.
Dr. Price engages in public psychology through writing, speaking, and participating in interviews on topics of his professional and personal expertise, including so-called “laziness” and autism. His work on laziness highlights the harmful effects of labeling people’s need to rest or engage in self-care as laziness and challenges the ways that people often identify “hard work” or overworking as evidence of their self-worth. He also writes about the mental health costs of “masking” one’s identity as autistic to try and fit in with societal norms.
Price, D. (2021). Laziness does not exist. Simon & Schuster.
Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony.
Price, D. (2024). Unlearning shame: How we can reject self-blame culture and reclaim our power. Harmony.
Social, Autism, Development, Culture
The development of resources to broaden diversity and representation in the teaching of high school psychology resources is an APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools initiative supported by funding from the American Psychological Foundation David and Carol Myers Fund. This resource was developed by Kara Ayers, PhD; Emily Lund, PhD; Erika Sanborne; and Allison Shaver.