We all want to belong, but what happens when the world doesn’t accept who you are?
All of us wear (often uncomfortable, ill-fitting masks), but the masks society tells autistic people to wear degrades their authenticity and ability to recognize and be themselves.
Chris Bonnello is an author, activist, and autism advocate. Together, we discussed neurodivergency through the artwork Mask the Decay by Mitch Christian.
Chris talks about how autistic masking feels for him, radical acceptance, his writing journey, and what the world is missing out on by asking autistic people to deny their full selves.

Artwork Choices




Links Mentioned
- Autistic Not Weird – Website, Facebook
- Underdogs Books
- Chris Bonnello – Website
- UK’s First Non-Binary Priest
- The Art of Autism
- Josh Kreitzman on TikTok and Instagram
- Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Free Audio Download
Art Connection Meditation
In this free meditation, take the time to connect with your deepest self and find your path forward through art. Get your free meditation here.