I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved Unmasked by Ellie Middleton. It’s one of those books that feels like it was written with me in mind—and honestly, with all of us in mind.

Right from the start, Ellie takes the pressure off. There’s no “right” way to read this book. You can go in order, skip ahead, flick back and forth—it’s completely up to you. I really appreciated that she not only encourages this but also makes helpful references to other chapters in case you’ve skipped around. It makes the book feel flexible, which is so refreshing compared to the rigid structure of most other books.

What makes Unmasked especially powerful is Ellie’s willingness to be vulnerable and share her own lived experience of being late-diagnosed. Reading about her journey—finally having the words and understanding to make sense of her life—really resonated with me. As someone who was also diagnosed as Autsitic later in life, I found so much comfort in her reflections. It helped me better understand myself, and it reminded me that my experiences are valid. The combination of her personal insights, the voices of others, and peer-reviewed research makes the book both deeply relatable and well-grounded.

Her breakdown of the diagnostic criteria for Autism and ADHD was another highlight for me. Instead of sticking to the textbook definitions, she illustrates how traits can show up in real life, often in ways that don’t fit the stereotypical mould. That nuance is so important, especially for those of us who spent years not recognising ourselves in the standard descriptions.

Beyond personal experiences, Ellie also explores how the world simply isn’t built for neurodivergent brains. She gives excellent examples of the barriers we face and, more importantly, suggests practical ways society can do better when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility, as well as ways that we can advocate for ourselves. It’s thought-provoking, but also empowering, because it frames change as something possible and necessary.

I also have to mention the layout of the book itself—it’s incredibly reader-friendly. From varied fonts and font sizes to bullet points, bold text, and tables, the design feels intentional and inclusive. It’s accessible for neurodivergent readers, but also smooth and engaging for neurotypical readers too.

For me, Unmasked is the perfect book for neurotypical people wanting to better understand neurodivergence, and equally for neurodivergent people navigating their own self-discovery. It’s informative, validating, and beautifully designed to meet readers where they are.

⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5