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Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life
'Emily's moving book is a powerful testimony that shines a light on the continued failure of health services to provide any kind of meaningful improvement for autistic people. Should be essential reading for mental health professionals and anyone with autism in their lives' - FERN BRADY, author of Strong Female Character '
This book will bring so many readers self-recognition and comfort.' - DEVON PRICE, author of Unmasking Autism
To the outside world, Emily looks like a typical girl, with a normal family, living an ordinary life. But inside, Emily does not feel typical, and the older she gets, the more she realises that she is different. As she finally discovers when she is 16, Emily is autistic. Girl Unmasked is the extraordinary story of how she got there - and how she very nearly didn't.
Still only 21, Emily writes with startling candour about the years leading up to her diagnosis. How books and imagination became her refuge as she sought to escape the increasing anxiety and unbearable stresses of school life; how her OCD almost destroyed her; how a system which did not understand autism let her down; and how she came so close to the edge that she and her family thought she would never survive.
In this simple but powerful memoir, we see how family and friends became her lifeline and how, post-diagnosis, Emily came to understand her authentic self and begin to turn her life around, eventually becoming a mental health nurse with a desire to help others where she herself had once been failed.
Ultimately uplifting, Girl Unmasked is a remarkable insight into what it can be like to be autistic - and shows us that through understanding and embracing difference we can all find ways to thrive.
This book will bring so many readers self-recognition and comfort.' - DEVON PRICE, author of Unmasking Autism
To the outside world, Emily looks like a typical girl, with a normal family, living an ordinary life. But inside, Emily does not feel typical, and the older she gets, the more she realises that she is different. As she finally discovers when she is 16, Emily is autistic. Girl Unmasked is the extraordinary story of how she got there - and how she very nearly didn't.
Still only 21, Emily writes with startling candour about the years leading up to her diagnosis. How books and imagination became her refuge as she sought to escape the increasing anxiety and unbearable stresses of school life; how her OCD almost destroyed her; how a system which did not understand autism let her down; and how she came so close to the edge that she and her family thought she would never survive.
In this simple but powerful memoir, we see how family and friends became her lifeline and how, post-diagnosis, Emily came to understand her authentic self and begin to turn her life around, eventually becoming a mental health nurse with a desire to help others where she herself had once been failed.
Ultimately uplifting, Girl Unmasked is a remarkable insight into what it can be like to be autistic - and shows us that through understanding and embracing difference we can all find ways to thrive.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
144 people are currently reading
2,115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 22, 2024
‘We are putting autistic people through hell - and when they break, if they survive, we put them in hell to try to manage their brokenness�
A really moving account, and one that resonated with me deeply. Lots of information and very helpful lists. Especially liked the inclusion of Emily’s inpatient admission and hope this will do something to reduce the stigma around this. Thank you Emily.
A really moving account, and one that resonated with me deeply. Lots of information and very helpful lists. Especially liked the inclusion of Emily’s inpatient admission and hope this will do something to reduce the stigma around this. Thank you Emily.
March 31, 2024
Incredible, powerful writing from an amazing young woman. Anyone who is autistic or who, like me, is parent to an autistic person, should read this. It has helped me understand more the world as my son experiences it, and to see where some of the potential dark turns up ahead may be and, perhaps, knowing that, we can plan ahead enough to avoid them.
April 2, 2024
As a mum of an autistic son I can never read enough of these books. These type of books help me go some way to understanding my son better, and hopefully help me a better parent. This isn’t a self-help guide it is is about a real person and their life, and although no two autistic people will be the same in the same way no two people are the same, by understanding one person’s journey, it helps you understand what some one else may be going through, the meltdowns, the anxieties, the hyper fixations. This is a brilliantly articulated journey of one autistic person’s experiences, written so clearly and in such a relatable way. There is no self pity it is just told how it is and this is what makes it such a remarkable read. This book made me feel happy, sad, angry but most importantly hopeful. Hopeful for a better future for everyone on the autistic spectrum as more and more people read books like this one about autistic people and come to understand the autistic mind. Now who to lend this book to first..?
April 11, 2024
I’ve said it before, but it would absolutely not surprise me if I was autistic.
I don’t rate my chances of even being considered for diagnosis, because I’m not causing anyone any problems, but I have come to treat myself as if I am neurodivergent � for example, by no longer castigating myself for not being as “grown-up� or “successful� as many of my peers. Chances are, it’s not my fault, and if I could browbeat myself into becoming more socially adept and less awkward, it would have worked by now.
I always see so many of my own experiences, thought patterns, and behaviours mirrored in late-diagnosed women’s accounts of being autistic, and Girl Unmasked, by Emily Katy, is no exception. In fact, it was her blog post about growing up autistic that originally got me suspecting it in myself � particularly her points about group work and trying to blend in by copying what other children did.
Girl Unmasked chronicles Emily’s journey from a joyful (albeit anxious and alienated) child, to a perfectionistic and troubled teenager, to the young mental health nurse she is now: empowered and compassionate (towards herself as well as others) having finally received the diagnosis that helped her understand herself better.
I was able to picture all the scenes in my head so vividly, partly because Emily writes so beautifully and evocatively, but also because I could relate to so many of them. It was so validating, but also so sad, to read about the experience of someone else who felt different, and was left out and picked on but didn’t understand why.
Emily’s story becomes all the more heart-breaking at secondary school, when years of trying to navigate a world not designed for her needs took their toll and she became visibly anxious, depressed, and obsessive-compulsive, leading to attempts on her own life and a range of experiences with the mental health system, including as an inpatient.
Interestingly, we were both 13 when it all became a bit too much, and I’m about 13 years older than Emily. It was gutting to read that mental healthcare hadn’t improved in all that time: while I was assumed to be “better� once I stopped having quite so many panic attacks and was essentially functioning, many of the adults charged with Emily’s care didn’t seem to listen to what she was actually telling them, or ask the right questions.
Emily writes with a level of maturity, wisdom, and insight I certainly didn’t have in my early twenties, and while some of this may be due to her particular “flavour� of autism, as well as her training as a nurse, some of it may also be down to her having been through so much at such a young age, which she shouldn’t have had to endure.
I really enjoyed her engagement with the literature on autism, especially her rebuttal of the “deficit model� and the notions that autistic people can’t be imaginative or funny. I also loved how we both have the same reaction to the “theatre or museum?� question � it depends what’s on, where it is, and how long we’ll be there!
(All other things being equal, I’d prefer the theatre, because everyone has an allocated seat they tend to stay put in. At a museum, I’m often worried that I’m in someone’s way, or find myself anxiously hovering until people move away from the thing I want to look at.)
As the blurb suggests, Girl Unmasked ends on a hopeful note, with Emily starting her career as a mental health nurse and educating people on the needs of autistic people, so that they are treated better going forward.
But there are many glimmers of positivity throughout the book, as Emily shares the particular joy she derives from her special interests and favourite sensory experiences, talks about the times when people did respond to her kindly and appropriately, and reminisces about good times with her family and friends.
Girl Unmasked is moving, wise, and relateable.
I don’t rate my chances of even being considered for diagnosis, because I’m not causing anyone any problems, but I have come to treat myself as if I am neurodivergent � for example, by no longer castigating myself for not being as “grown-up� or “successful� as many of my peers. Chances are, it’s not my fault, and if I could browbeat myself into becoming more socially adept and less awkward, it would have worked by now.
I always see so many of my own experiences, thought patterns, and behaviours mirrored in late-diagnosed women’s accounts of being autistic, and Girl Unmasked, by Emily Katy, is no exception. In fact, it was her blog post about growing up autistic that originally got me suspecting it in myself � particularly her points about group work and trying to blend in by copying what other children did.
Girl Unmasked chronicles Emily’s journey from a joyful (albeit anxious and alienated) child, to a perfectionistic and troubled teenager, to the young mental health nurse she is now: empowered and compassionate (towards herself as well as others) having finally received the diagnosis that helped her understand herself better.
I was able to picture all the scenes in my head so vividly, partly because Emily writes so beautifully and evocatively, but also because I could relate to so many of them. It was so validating, but also so sad, to read about the experience of someone else who felt different, and was left out and picked on but didn’t understand why.
Emily’s story becomes all the more heart-breaking at secondary school, when years of trying to navigate a world not designed for her needs took their toll and she became visibly anxious, depressed, and obsessive-compulsive, leading to attempts on her own life and a range of experiences with the mental health system, including as an inpatient.
Interestingly, we were both 13 when it all became a bit too much, and I’m about 13 years older than Emily. It was gutting to read that mental healthcare hadn’t improved in all that time: while I was assumed to be “better� once I stopped having quite so many panic attacks and was essentially functioning, many of the adults charged with Emily’s care didn’t seem to listen to what she was actually telling them, or ask the right questions.
Emily writes with a level of maturity, wisdom, and insight I certainly didn’t have in my early twenties, and while some of this may be due to her particular “flavour� of autism, as well as her training as a nurse, some of it may also be down to her having been through so much at such a young age, which she shouldn’t have had to endure.
I really enjoyed her engagement with the literature on autism, especially her rebuttal of the “deficit model� and the notions that autistic people can’t be imaginative or funny. I also loved how we both have the same reaction to the “theatre or museum?� question � it depends what’s on, where it is, and how long we’ll be there!
(All other things being equal, I’d prefer the theatre, because everyone has an allocated seat they tend to stay put in. At a museum, I’m often worried that I’m in someone’s way, or find myself anxiously hovering until people move away from the thing I want to look at.)
As the blurb suggests, Girl Unmasked ends on a hopeful note, with Emily starting her career as a mental health nurse and educating people on the needs of autistic people, so that they are treated better going forward.
But there are many glimmers of positivity throughout the book, as Emily shares the particular joy she derives from her special interests and favourite sensory experiences, talks about the times when people did respond to her kindly and appropriately, and reminisces about good times with her family and friends.
Girl Unmasked is moving, wise, and relateable.
April 3, 2024
I am in the process of doing what many autistic people do during the journey of realisation, including the author, which is seeking out autistic voices, experiences, people that I can relate to, to help me better understand myself and how I fit in to the world. The author hopes that this book helps add to that sense of understanding and community and I can confirm that, in my experience, it does.
This book had me nodding emphatically throughout, reading bits aloud to my family and bookmarking it to buy for friends or family members who are autistic or love someone who is. The author’s experiences really resonated with me, down to many of the stories of her childhood, incorrect diagnoses and we even share the same special interests� I can’t remember ever feeling so seen and heard by a book, or feeling part of something positive and valuable instead of just weird and alone.
Emily Katy’s writing voice is clear, direct and powerful: resonant with both strength and vulnerability; with humour, sadness and anger. I was moved to tears more than once while reading, especially as the book doesn’t shy away from exploring some of the catastrophic consequences to late/incorrect diagnosis, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Mental health is so closely linked to our understanding of ourself and our identities in multiple ways and yet that same co-morbidity and overlap between mental illness, physical ill health and neurodivergence can have devastating effects on an individual struggling to thrive in a world not designed to accommodate them.
Between the raw personal anecdotes and the history leading to the author’s autism diagnosis are plenty of facts, all backed with explanations and references. And I particularly vibed with the intermittent lists that summarised important and useful information. Who doesn’t love a good list?!
I believe that this book is a must-read for autistic individuals, parents, teachers, health professionals� everyone, really. I put it down with a better understanding of myself and how to support other autistic people in my life, but also � and more importantly � a glow of pleasure to be identified with such an amazing community and a hope that the more autistic voices we hear (in both fiction and non-fiction, on page, screen and airwaves), the fewer individuals will have to struggle with feeling ‘weird and alone�.
This isn’t the first autism-themed book on my special interest shelf on the subject, but it will definitely take pride of place there and I will be following* the author with interest too.
*not literally, as that would be creepy. Just on social media and looking out for future books!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
This book had me nodding emphatically throughout, reading bits aloud to my family and bookmarking it to buy for friends or family members who are autistic or love someone who is. The author’s experiences really resonated with me, down to many of the stories of her childhood, incorrect diagnoses and we even share the same special interests� I can’t remember ever feeling so seen and heard by a book, or feeling part of something positive and valuable instead of just weird and alone.
Emily Katy’s writing voice is clear, direct and powerful: resonant with both strength and vulnerability; with humour, sadness and anger. I was moved to tears more than once while reading, especially as the book doesn’t shy away from exploring some of the catastrophic consequences to late/incorrect diagnosis, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Mental health is so closely linked to our understanding of ourself and our identities in multiple ways and yet that same co-morbidity and overlap between mental illness, physical ill health and neurodivergence can have devastating effects on an individual struggling to thrive in a world not designed to accommodate them.
Between the raw personal anecdotes and the history leading to the author’s autism diagnosis are plenty of facts, all backed with explanations and references. And I particularly vibed with the intermittent lists that summarised important and useful information. Who doesn’t love a good list?!
I believe that this book is a must-read for autistic individuals, parents, teachers, health professionals� everyone, really. I put it down with a better understanding of myself and how to support other autistic people in my life, but also � and more importantly � a glow of pleasure to be identified with such an amazing community and a hope that the more autistic voices we hear (in both fiction and non-fiction, on page, screen and airwaves), the fewer individuals will have to struggle with feeling ‘weird and alone�.
This isn’t the first autism-themed book on my special interest shelf on the subject, but it will definitely take pride of place there and I will be following* the author with interest too.
*not literally, as that would be creepy. Just on social media and looking out for future books!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
April 25, 2024
This book hits so close to home. I share so many experiences with Emily that I wish we both never had to go through. It’s so helpful understanding autism in girls, especially those late diagnosed (like me). Emily makes me feel less alone, she gives me hope for a life worth living. Seeing her go through the horrors of the intrinsic link between autism and mental illness, and coming out the other side, living the life she wants, gives me so much hope. I’m so glad she got to share her story and she gives me inspiration that I will be able to too.
🫶🫶🫶 Thank you Emily
🫶🫶🫶 Thank you Emily
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October 2, 2024I don’t think this is a book that should be rated. It’s personal and has so many helpful parts. I’ve only recently been diagnosed as autistic this year at 23, so I’m still learning a lot about it and this book has highlighted certain things that make me comfortable and understanding of myself. I wish I was able to write my experiences so eloquently and impactful as this book.
July 14, 2024
My first audiobook, and what an excellent one to start with, I particularly loved that it was read by the author Emily who is someone I’ve followed on twitter for some time. Both moving and educational, I would recommend to anyone but will definitely be recommending to my colleagues in CAMHS.
May 22, 2024
Thank you Emily for telling your story and for doing it so well.
This book is incredibly important and I recommend that everyone read it.
There was so many parts of this book that were hard to get through as I related so deeply and it brought back so many feelings and memories that I had forgotten but despite that, I feel so glad to have read it.
It is written so well and has the perfect balance of personal experience and facts.
I am so grateful that this book exists and hope it becomes a resource that many come across.
Those who will discover their neurodivergence or, be diagnosed in the future as well as their families and friends will be so much better off for the existence of this book.
Reading this now made me feel proud, connected and hopeful, if I had read this a few years ago it would have answered many questions, given me so many more and would have really helped me as I know it will so many others.
Whenever in a persons life this book is found, it will have an impact.
This book is incredibly important and I recommend that everyone read it.
There was so many parts of this book that were hard to get through as I related so deeply and it brought back so many feelings and memories that I had forgotten but despite that, I feel so glad to have read it.
It is written so well and has the perfect balance of personal experience and facts.
I am so grateful that this book exists and hope it becomes a resource that many come across.
Those who will discover their neurodivergence or, be diagnosed in the future as well as their families and friends will be so much better off for the existence of this book.
Reading this now made me feel proud, connected and hopeful, if I had read this a few years ago it would have answered many questions, given me so many more and would have really helped me as I know it will so many others.
Whenever in a persons life this book is found, it will have an impact.
April 17, 2025
I decided to listen to this audiobook on the run-up to my personal Autism assessment after being suggested by a couple of councillors that I show lots of autistic traits. After plenty of researching how Autism presents in girls, i can now very much see why this has been suggested 😄.
Despite Emily only being in her early 20s, she seems a lot more grown up (sadly likely due to having to become much more self-aware from tragic circumstances). The way she writes her story is very engaging, and she is a fantastic role model for young autistic girls. She should be proud of how far she has come and everything she has achieved.
P.S. I also wrote a list.... 😄
Despite Emily only being in her early 20s, she seems a lot more grown up (sadly likely due to having to become much more self-aware from tragic circumstances). The way she writes her story is very engaging, and she is a fantastic role model for young autistic girls. She should be proud of how far she has come and everything she has achieved.
P.S. I also wrote a list.... 😄
April 9, 2024
I wish everyone would read this
This book is so informative. So emotional, and so compelling. I wish everyone would read it and be more understanding about autism. I wish everyone would think of people as individuals whether they are neuro typical or not. Because we are all unique. We all have fears and insecurities, and people generally need to be more accepting and realise that everyone has something to contribute, given the chance. Well done to Emily for writing so honestly.
This book is so informative. So emotional, and so compelling. I wish everyone would read it and be more understanding about autism. I wish everyone would think of people as individuals whether they are neuro typical or not. Because we are all unique. We all have fears and insecurities, and people generally need to be more accepting and realise that everyone has something to contribute, given the chance. Well done to Emily for writing so honestly.
March 17, 2025
When I heard about this book, I was really keen to read it. I have a daughter in her late twenties who has Aspergers and I’m waiting for an autism assessment for my teenage son, so this is a subject that interests me on several levels.
Girl Unmasked is a memoir written by Emily Katy who is now 22 years old and was diagnosed as being autistic at 16. This is much more than just her life story though. There are useful lists throughout. (I do like a good list!)
The book explains her experiences but also covers various aspects of autism including special interests, sensory difficulties and sensory overload, stimming, masking, grief, panic attacks, OCD, self-harming and mental health issues.
It was interesting and enlightening reading about her schooldays and how her (then undiagnosed) autism affected her. I could really relate to what my son has said, how all the noises and smells and people at school are just too much for him. There is a very useful list of suggested adjustments that schools can make to help autistic children cope better. I think this is really important, as so many autistic children find the school system hard to manage at the moment.
Emily had her first panic attack at the age of thirteen, on a school trip to Belgium, where she ended up in hospital. Another useful list is included in the book about things to do to help someone having a panic attack.
As well as reading about Emily’s first-hand experiences, I also enjoyed reading about the history of autism and how a variety of psychiatrists came up with different theories over the years from the 1920s onwards. (So much for autism being a ‘new� thing!) The mixture of these two aspects of autism works very well, as I felt I was learning from both the personal and ‘professional� sides, though certainly some of the old research was quite harmful.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially for those who have an autism diagnosis, or suspect they are autistic, and their friends and family members, as it will help you understand it more.
Girl Unmasked is a memoir written by Emily Katy who is now 22 years old and was diagnosed as being autistic at 16. This is much more than just her life story though. There are useful lists throughout. (I do like a good list!)
The book explains her experiences but also covers various aspects of autism including special interests, sensory difficulties and sensory overload, stimming, masking, grief, panic attacks, OCD, self-harming and mental health issues.
It was interesting and enlightening reading about her schooldays and how her (then undiagnosed) autism affected her. I could really relate to what my son has said, how all the noises and smells and people at school are just too much for him. There is a very useful list of suggested adjustments that schools can make to help autistic children cope better. I think this is really important, as so many autistic children find the school system hard to manage at the moment.
Emily had her first panic attack at the age of thirteen, on a school trip to Belgium, where she ended up in hospital. Another useful list is included in the book about things to do to help someone having a panic attack.
As well as reading about Emily’s first-hand experiences, I also enjoyed reading about the history of autism and how a variety of psychiatrists came up with different theories over the years from the 1920s onwards. (So much for autism being a ‘new� thing!) The mixture of these two aspects of autism works very well, as I felt I was learning from both the personal and ‘professional� sides, though certainly some of the old research was quite harmful.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially for those who have an autism diagnosis, or suspect they are autistic, and their friends and family members, as it will help you understand it more.
April 4, 2024
the bestest book. I will never tire of the all encompassing comfort books by autistic authors give me
September 16, 2024
Insightful, helpful, hopeful, & honest! Thank you Emily.
January 30, 2025
This is such an insightful book. It broke my heart and gave me a better understanding of what living with autism can be like. I work with children with autism and this book gave me pause and made me think things through. A must read for anyone wanting to know more and have a deeper understanding
May 1, 2024
Within the first half of this book, I was in tears. As a recently diagnosed autistic person myself, Emily Katy's words have made me feel so seen and brought up so many emotions which are too complex to try and describe. Absolutely worth the read and I will be rereading this no doubt!
April 5, 2024
Emily has written a thorough, moving, insightful, educational, raw, heartbreaking, heartfelt, and essential read about her arduous 17 yr journey to a diagnosis of autism. Bringing her readers' validation, self-recognition, and most importantly, a much needed awareness, platform, and voice.
A big part of the book is based on Emily's love of lists and how she uses them in her everyday life. With the inclusion of lots of lists that break down some really important elements of not only her story and how she survived the traumatic and turbulence caused whilst trying to navigate life as an undiagnosed child and teen. But also advice on what to do and how to support someone you love. Explaining what is wrong with the system individually and as a whole. Adding simple but effective changes that can be implemented in order to really make a difference with all of it coming from her own experience.
Emily also included an inclusive and vast list of great resources that can be easily accessed and made use of by the women and girls who think they may be autistic, those battling for a diagnosis, and those who are supporting them professionally or personally on that journey.
I love that each chapter starts with a quote relating to that chapter, and there is also a letter entitled, 'Dear the future generations of autistic people'.
It's an informative, engaging, sad, uplifting, confronting, powerful, and essential tool that should be included in and issued throughout educational settings and health service country wide. I'd even go so far as to say, worldwide.
Emily is an important and powerful voice for every diagnosed and undiagnosed autistic girls and women.
As a mum going through the final stages of an assessment and a 40+ Yr old woman who thinks she may be on the spectrum and contemplating her own journey. I am in awe of Emily's courage, bravery, and ability to share her story in order to prevent others going through what she had to endure. It's now one of my bibles with tabs galore and I'm encouraging my daughters to read it to help them understand and naviagte their own journeys. Thank you Emily. Xoc
A big part of the book is based on Emily's love of lists and how she uses them in her everyday life. With the inclusion of lots of lists that break down some really important elements of not only her story and how she survived the traumatic and turbulence caused whilst trying to navigate life as an undiagnosed child and teen. But also advice on what to do and how to support someone you love. Explaining what is wrong with the system individually and as a whole. Adding simple but effective changes that can be implemented in order to really make a difference with all of it coming from her own experience.
Emily also included an inclusive and vast list of great resources that can be easily accessed and made use of by the women and girls who think they may be autistic, those battling for a diagnosis, and those who are supporting them professionally or personally on that journey.
I love that each chapter starts with a quote relating to that chapter, and there is also a letter entitled, 'Dear the future generations of autistic people'.
It's an informative, engaging, sad, uplifting, confronting, powerful, and essential tool that should be included in and issued throughout educational settings and health service country wide. I'd even go so far as to say, worldwide.
Emily is an important and powerful voice for every diagnosed and undiagnosed autistic girls and women.
As a mum going through the final stages of an assessment and a 40+ Yr old woman who thinks she may be on the spectrum and contemplating her own journey. I am in awe of Emily's courage, bravery, and ability to share her story in order to prevent others going through what she had to endure. It's now one of my bibles with tabs galore and I'm encouraging my daughters to read it to help them understand and naviagte their own journeys. Thank you Emily. Xoc
April 14, 2024
When I saw this book, I knew that I needed to read it!....and now I have, I know that I need everyone else to read it too!!
This was, for me, a heart-wtenching read for so many reasons.
First of all, I have always known that my son (now 18) is autistic. When seeking help over the years, we have been thwarted at every turn.
Having also developed severe OCD over the last 8+ years, we are still struggling to maintain progress in this area.
He has never been diagnosed officially, but I'm trying hard to allow him to be himself and to help him always to understand why he struggles with certain things and to find ways around issues.
This seems to be such a common thing with so many people we talk to and it really does beg the question as to why things are the way they are.
Hearing other people's journeys around this theme always makes me emotional - but to hear how this author has navigated their life so far and also come through to work on highlighting these issues and then going into the profession to offer help to others with similar problems, worries and anxieties is absolutely amazing!
This was so beautifully written and I have to admit to having tears in my eyes for the majority - some sad, some happy!
I always say that the best people to help, would be people who have experienced this from one pov or another - either those with autism themselves or those family members who have close links.
This is full of information and help for those who are struggling to find the right help and I think that everyone would benefit from the insight into these conditions - from family, teachers, health professionals and those with autism themselves.
An absolutely amazing read and something that I found so fascinating that I couldn't put it down!
This was, for me, a heart-wtenching read for so many reasons.
First of all, I have always known that my son (now 18) is autistic. When seeking help over the years, we have been thwarted at every turn.
Having also developed severe OCD over the last 8+ years, we are still struggling to maintain progress in this area.
He has never been diagnosed officially, but I'm trying hard to allow him to be himself and to help him always to understand why he struggles with certain things and to find ways around issues.
This seems to be such a common thing with so many people we talk to and it really does beg the question as to why things are the way they are.
Hearing other people's journeys around this theme always makes me emotional - but to hear how this author has navigated their life so far and also come through to work on highlighting these issues and then going into the profession to offer help to others with similar problems, worries and anxieties is absolutely amazing!
This was so beautifully written and I have to admit to having tears in my eyes for the majority - some sad, some happy!
I always say that the best people to help, would be people who have experienced this from one pov or another - either those with autism themselves or those family members who have close links.
This is full of information and help for those who are struggling to find the right help and I think that everyone would benefit from the insight into these conditions - from family, teachers, health professionals and those with autism themselves.
An absolutely amazing read and something that I found so fascinating that I couldn't put it down!
April 4, 2024
I’m not sure how to sum up a book this incredible into a few lines so I’ll possibly be writing a long review. I bought this book after following emily on instagram and eagerly awaiting its release. now I know that I loved the book even more than I thought I would.
so many things in this book I resonated with, that will be evident since the digital copy has pages after pages hilighted and out of all the autism books I’ve read this is by far my favourite, as this book is the one i found myself in the most.
I hope I can always remember having read this book and the messages it held. one word to describe this book would be beautiful, even beyond its own definition, a simple kind of beautiful, a comforting type of beautiful, but still with all its invisible light shining out the pages, beautiful.
I don’t know if you’ll read this review but with the chances that you do, emily i just wanted to say that you are an extraordinary person and i can see how much compassion you hold through reading your meaningful words.
so many things in this book I resonated with, that will be evident since the digital copy has pages after pages hilighted and out of all the autism books I’ve read this is by far my favourite, as this book is the one i found myself in the most.
I hope I can always remember having read this book and the messages it held. one word to describe this book would be beautiful, even beyond its own definition, a simple kind of beautiful, a comforting type of beautiful, but still with all its invisible light shining out the pages, beautiful.
I don’t know if you’ll read this review but with the chances that you do, emily i just wanted to say that you are an extraordinary person and i can see how much compassion you hold through reading your meaningful words.
July 17, 2024
This book means absoultley eveything to me
in a way mine and emily storys are quite simular but totally diffrent
quotes i related too
(i dont think many autistic children get through school untraumatised and that is incredibelly sad. because being forced to an enviroment that does not cater for the way that your brain works day after day )
(13 years of living life life as a undiagnosed autitsic person and forcing myself into situations that were overwhelming had been too much . my brain had gone nope we can no longer function like this or endure these thing without consquences . we cant cope with how weve been doing things , we cant cope with how weve been doing things ,so now at every sign of possible stress and at every signal with even slightly too much processing demand , we are going i to panic mode )
( i would change from a golden child who teachers loved to have in the classroom , to a child teachers had to battle with just to get them to sit in class )
(Just by being autistic , you are at greater risk of harming yourself )
(we are putting autistic people through hell )
(so many people are not diagnosed untill they are at breaking point because we diagnose autism in only struggiling and traumitised autisic people )
i rate this book 5 stars
in a way mine and emily storys are quite simular but totally diffrent
quotes i related too
(i dont think many autistic children get through school untraumatised and that is incredibelly sad. because being forced to an enviroment that does not cater for the way that your brain works day after day )
(13 years of living life life as a undiagnosed autitsic person and forcing myself into situations that were overwhelming had been too much . my brain had gone nope we can no longer function like this or endure these thing without consquences . we cant cope with how weve been doing things , we cant cope with how weve been doing things ,so now at every sign of possible stress and at every signal with even slightly too much processing demand , we are going i to panic mode )
( i would change from a golden child who teachers loved to have in the classroom , to a child teachers had to battle with just to get them to sit in class )
(Just by being autistic , you are at greater risk of harming yourself )
(we are putting autistic people through hell )
(so many people are not diagnosed untill they are at breaking point because we diagnose autism in only struggiling and traumitised autisic people )
i rate this book 5 stars
February 25, 2025
5 ⭐️ this made me so emotional. i could recognize myself a lot in emily, like being the perfect student in school and then changing into a student that gets nothing done. the anxiety and depression that took over my life when i was a teen, and still the amount of anxiety that impacts me today. it was so relatable and i felt so seen.
i loved being able to see in emily’s mind. how she experienced her youth and how that made her feel. her journey to self-discovery and her autism diagnosis. and then the way she wrote about this! she took me completely with her in her story.
a beautiful memoir, which helped me understand more about myself. a book even non-autistics should read to be able to understand what must happen before getting a proper diagnosis if not getting diagnosed at a young age. and how much different it is for women than men. i would recommend to everyone!
(i rate memoirs based on how much the book impacted me and not to form an opinion about the life of the author.)
i loved being able to see in emily’s mind. how she experienced her youth and how that made her feel. her journey to self-discovery and her autism diagnosis. and then the way she wrote about this! she took me completely with her in her story.
a beautiful memoir, which helped me understand more about myself. a book even non-autistics should read to be able to understand what must happen before getting a proper diagnosis if not getting diagnosed at a young age. and how much different it is for women than men. i would recommend to everyone!
(i rate memoirs based on how much the book impacted me and not to form an opinion about the life of the author.)
April 1, 2024
Emily Katy writes openly and honestly of growing up in a challenging world, to later understand that she is autistic.
Emily tells her real-life story of living in a loving and supportive family, who are learning with Emily to understand the difference of being autistic in a neurotypical world.
Emily is 'perfectly neurodivergent', and 'Girl unmasked' will no doubt be helpful for so many who will identify with her experiences. This book will also help people with their own self-inquiry and self-discovery.
Emily shares her hopes for universal design to be part of the future as a standard.
Thank you, Emily, for sharing your real-life experiences, so we can all benefit from your reflections and learnings.
This wonderful book made me cry, laugh, and reflect.
Emily tells her real-life story of living in a loving and supportive family, who are learning with Emily to understand the difference of being autistic in a neurotypical world.
Emily is 'perfectly neurodivergent', and 'Girl unmasked' will no doubt be helpful for so many who will identify with her experiences. This book will also help people with their own self-inquiry and self-discovery.
Emily shares her hopes for universal design to be part of the future as a standard.
Thank you, Emily, for sharing your real-life experiences, so we can all benefit from your reflections and learnings.
This wonderful book made me cry, laugh, and reflect.
April 5, 2024
I follow Emily on Twitter and have been looking forward to reading this, so I was very thankful that the publisher sent me a copy! Once I'd finished my current read I made a start on this and have devoured it in a couple of days. Emily's story is a difficult read in places, so I appreciate her sharing it all the more, and know that this book has the potential to change lives for the better. As somebody currently trying to get a diagnosis for autism and gaining a better understanding of myself it means a lot to me - I can see myself in lots of the behaviours and traits that Emily describes, and my reading list has grown through her recommendations too. A well researched, truly readable and moving book, I will definitely be recommending it in store.
June 13, 2024
As somebody who is interested in delving into the world of neurodiversity, I’m forever grateful I found this book. I don’t usually feel it’s appropriate to rate somebody’s memoir or biography but it feels rude to not give this 5 stars. I’m so glad I listened to this as an audiobook as I find you feel more of a connection with the author. I felt part of this book resonated with me and other parts I couldn’t even comprehend. As a trainee mental health nurse awaiting an ADHD diagnosis this has opened my eyes more to better understand the people around me in my personal and professional life. I hope this review does this book justice - Emily thank you for sharing your story and I’m sorry you were failed by the system when you shouldn’t have been. I will continue to recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
January 14, 2025
Hace meses que quería leerlo, gracias a que ahora tengo un Kindle mi radio de lectura se expandió al infinito jajaja...sigo a Emily en Instagram y veo que una bookworm como yo.
Tiene muchas frases que me llegaron al corazón porque son cosas que fuera querido saber de niña, leer la experiencia de otras chicas autistas me ayuda a sentirme menos sola con lo que pasa en mi interior y en cosas que me pasaron a lo largo de la vida.
Considero que este libro y el de Neurodivina de Sara Codina son lecturas imprescindibles para mujeres que recibieron su diagnóstico siendo adultas, hay tantas cosas que cuenta Emily y a mi me pasaba exactamente igual.
Tiene muchas frases que me llegaron al corazón porque son cosas que fuera querido saber de niña, leer la experiencia de otras chicas autistas me ayuda a sentirme menos sola con lo que pasa en mi interior y en cosas que me pasaron a lo largo de la vida.
Considero que este libro y el de Neurodivina de Sara Codina son lecturas imprescindibles para mujeres que recibieron su diagnóstico siendo adultas, hay tantas cosas que cuenta Emily y a mi me pasaba exactamente igual.
May 25, 2024
Listened as an audiobook which made it even more special!
I can’t imagine there being a single person who wouldn’t take some sort of learning out of Emily’s story whether they are neurodivergent or not. Chances are every 4-5th person they are meeting in their day is and is struggling to make it through the day and I’d love to see a society where we can all just be a little more � accommodating to each other. It’s small gestures that go a long way and Emily does a fantastic job explaining those throughout her book.
I love seeing autistic voices taking up more space in society and learning that their needs were never too much and their being not something to be ashamed of and fight all day to hide because it is not a long-term strategy and Emily’s story shows that with a lot of vulnerability and honesty and gives a glimpse of what is waiting at the other side once a different path is chosen.
I can’t imagine there being a single person who wouldn’t take some sort of learning out of Emily’s story whether they are neurodivergent or not. Chances are every 4-5th person they are meeting in their day is and is struggling to make it through the day and I’d love to see a society where we can all just be a little more � accommodating to each other. It’s small gestures that go a long way and Emily does a fantastic job explaining those throughout her book.
I love seeing autistic voices taking up more space in society and learning that their needs were never too much and their being not something to be ashamed of and fight all day to hide because it is not a long-term strategy and Emily’s story shows that with a lot of vulnerability and honesty and gives a glimpse of what is waiting at the other side once a different path is chosen.
April 15, 2024
so raw and emotional. emily katy discusses how autism often goes undiagnosed in women and how the system fails people with autism time and time again. during this, i often felt like i was reading straight out of my own journals and its frightening to see how so many young autistic women cry for help and are misdiagnosed or simply ignored because they don’t fit the very outdated and one gendered criteria, but it was also comforting to know i am not alone in this journey.
this book is available to listen on spotify premium and i would highly highly recommend doing so!
this book is available to listen on spotify premium and i would highly highly recommend doing so!
April 28, 2024
Deeply moving. A refreshing perspective on how to look at autism as a difference. And the sadness that autism still is seen as a disease. I got some clarity from it, struggling to live healthy for myself after masking for 27 years. And pushing myself over bouderies to 'fit in'
I was brooken again by reading the struggles Emily had to go through. I feel so much justice around this topic. And empathy for everyone who has the feeling they are 'wrong'. Like for every marginalized group in history.
I was brooken again by reading the struggles Emily had to go through. I feel so much justice around this topic. And empathy for everyone who has the feeling they are 'wrong'. Like for every marginalized group in history.
August 6, 2024
"Girl Unmasked" is a great mix of lived experience throughout the author's childhood, teenage years and young adulthood.
The writing switches between first person POV to facts about things that are noticeable in that segment, research aswell as lists to/about herself or to us, as (autistic) readers that offer a relatable experience, tips and comfort.
To me, it is an important read for anybody who wants to learn about autism from autistic people and unlearn stereotypes.
For anyone who has an autistic loved one and especially for all undiagnosed and questioning autistic individuals.
It helps learn and understand the struggles and offers helpful tips, first and foremost for other autistic people but also to their loved ones. The insight helps understand this neurotype and how autistic people see and experience the world and why certain reactions happen (though of course, if you have met one autistic person you have met one autistic person and this is only one of many experiences, no autistic person is the same!).
It also talks about triggering aspects, so please be aware and look out for yourself!
Triggers include:
Depression, self harm, suicide attempts, OCD, spending time inpatient (mostly negative experiences), anxiety, panic attacks, being invalidated, bullying, death and grieving of a loved one
The writing switches between first person POV to facts about things that are noticeable in that segment, research aswell as lists to/about herself or to us, as (autistic) readers that offer a relatable experience, tips and comfort.
To me, it is an important read for anybody who wants to learn about autism from autistic people and unlearn stereotypes.
For anyone who has an autistic loved one and especially for all undiagnosed and questioning autistic individuals.
It helps learn and understand the struggles and offers helpful tips, first and foremost for other autistic people but also to their loved ones. The insight helps understand this neurotype and how autistic people see and experience the world and why certain reactions happen (though of course, if you have met one autistic person you have met one autistic person and this is only one of many experiences, no autistic person is the same!).
It also talks about triggering aspects, so please be aware and look out for yourself!
Triggers include:
Depression, self harm, suicide attempts, OCD, spending time inpatient (mostly negative experiences), anxiety, panic attacks, being invalidated, bullying, death and grieving of a loved one
December 26, 2024
I’m in tears and I don’t know if I will ever be able to articulate how this book has made me feel. It is like someone has taken my life, my words, my thoughts, my experiences and turned them into a book. My experiences of school, of mental health units, of everything. I feel so seen and heard. The most powerful and validating book I have ever and probably will ever read.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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