Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this conversation Essy shares about:

• Internalized ableism
• Conditional self-worth
• Burnout, and
• The difficulty of forming authentic connections while performing for acceptance.

This episode offers a grounded discussion of identity, self-advocacy, and living more intentionally as a neurodivergent adult.

Book: Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back

Website: https://essyknopf.com

Check out Essy's YouTube channel

Essy on Instagram

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If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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In this episode I chat with Natalie Diggins, technologist and author of The Autistic Adult's Toolbox. Natalie gives step-by-step strategies and tools that work for autistics. From parties to friendships to doctor’s appointments Natalie shares the toolbox she developed using her systems approach to problem solving. You’ll learn how to have a plan before socializing, how to save energy for what matters and how to recognize your limits. Using checklists, questionnaires, planners and scripts Leslie helps you find out what you really want and how to get there. Get all the details from the ingenious Natalie Diggins.

Some of what you'll learn about:

*How to prepare for a doctor's appointment or medical procedure

*How to comfortably handle social situations

*Three key strategies to make friendships easier

Natalie's book: The Autistic Adult's Toolbox

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Every day autistic people face the big question. We can stay hidden or we can be real. There’s no right or wrong answer…except maybe this one time?

When have you been in a situation like this and what did you choose? Write to me at info@theautisticwoman.com

Support the show

Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
Website