The go-to book on neurodivergence for anyone looking for a diagnosis, trying to make sense of one, or trying to be a better ally
In 2021 Ellie was diagnosed with autism and ADHD and although it felt like the light had finally been switched on and she wasn't just 'broken', the room before her was messy from a lifetime of being misunderstood. She quickly found that she wasn't the only one, in fact 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed at age 18 and only 8% of adults affected by ADHD have a formal diagnosis. Even with a diagnosis, most are left asking, what now?
Ellie's mission is to change that. To challenge the common misconceptions about neurodivergent conditions that are preventing marginalised people get the diagnosis they need, and to provide simple, actionable resources so that they can live without the fear and shame that she did.
UNMASKED is Ellie's kind and supportive guide that sheds light on everything from masking to the diagnostic process and from sensory overload to navigating the workplace, so that every reader can better understand themselves and others, and ultimately, make society more inclusive.
About the Author
Ellie Middleton is an activist, speaker and writer committed to breaking taboos and empowering neurodivergent people to thrive in and out of the workplace. She is the founder of (un)masked, a community for neurodivergent people and author of the smash-hit UNMASKED. How to Be You is her second book.
Industry Reviews
Ellie's book is like having a heart-to-heart with your BFF who just 'gets' your brain! Packed with personal & relatable stories, practical tips, and still manages to educate at the same time. It's a must-read to make our world more inclusive and understanding for neurodivergent people.
— Vanessa D’Souza, The Autistic Chef
This book will change your life - and the world. An inspiring & validating reminder for neurodivergent people that they are not alone. I can't wait to recommend this to the people I coach.
— Leanne Maskell, author of ADHD: An A-Z
As someone who is neurodivergent, I think Ellie Middleton is the perfect voice to represent what is a beautiful but vastly misunderstood way of being. Her work is so important, this book will be a gamechanger.
— Joshua Fletcher, aka @AnxietyJosh
This book will change lives! A cracking read and a must for folks with brains who do things differently
— Heidi Mavir, author of Sunday Times Bestseller, Your Child Is Not Broken
I'm in awe - can't stop reading. So many lightbulb moments and so beautifully written, beautiful gorgeous incredible.
— @FeelGoodClub
Finding out that you're neurodivergent generates as many questions as it answers. Ellie knows this all too well, and takes us on a journey through her deeply relatable story of self-discovery and quest for knowledge, repackaging her intensive research in a digestible, easy-to-use handbook for understanding autism and ADHD. Unmasked is the compassionate, practical and thoughtful guide to neurodivergence we've always deserved. I wish this book had existed when I was growing up as an undiagnosed AuDHDer, and I know that reading Unmasked will give parents, doctors and teachers the knowledge and confidence to finally accommodate and celebrate our differences. Ellie is going to change - and save - lives with this book.
— Milly Evans, author of HONEST
