Laziness Does Not Exist

Devon Price is a social psychologist, educator, and author whose work has contributed to discussions on neurodiversity, productivity, and societal expectations. In his work, he blends academic rigor, personal experience, and an accessible writing style. He is a prominent voice in conversations about autism, work culture, and mental health.

In 2009, Price completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio State University, earning a BA in psychology and political science. He then pursued graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago, where he obtained both his MA and PhD in Applied Social Psychology. Since 2012, Price has been teaching as a Clinical Associate Professor at Loyola University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Price’s personal experiences have informed his writing, including his exploration of themes such as autistic and trans identities, masking behaviors (the practice of hiding one’s autistic traits), and the mental health consequences of conforming to neurotypical expectations. His work often examines the intersectional nature of neurodiversity, paying special attention to the experiences of autistic people of color. This intersectional approach reflects a growing awareness in both academic and activist circles of the need to consider multiple aspects of identity when discussing neurodiversity.

Price is a vocal advocate for self-diagnosis in the context of autism, which is a stance that has sparked both support and controversy. He has criticized traditional clinical evaluations, arguing that they often fail to capture the full spectrum of autistic experiences, particularly for individuals who have learned to mask their traits effectively. Price frames autism as a non-pathological social identity, while still acknowledging its status as a neurodevelopmental disability. This view aims to challenge both the purely medical model of autism and overly romanticized notions of neurodiversity.

Laziness Does Not Exist, which grew out of a viral blog post, applies Price’s understanding of psychology and social pressures to the broader issue of productivity culture. His main argument in the book is that what society often labels as laziness is actually a sign of underlying mental health issues, systemic inequalities, or unsustainable expectations. This perspective aligns with his overall approach of challenging societal norms and advocating for more compassionate, nuanced understandings of human behavior and worth. While much of his work focuses on autism and neurodiversity, this book broadly addresses societal attitudes toward work and productivity that affect everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals. The book draws on Price’s background in social psychology to examine how cultural beliefs about work and worth impact mental health and well-being.

The impact of Price’s work extends beyond popular literature. His writings, including Laziness Does Not Exist and Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity, have been cited in academic papers exploring various aspects of autism, including its presentation in women and attitudes toward autism among college students. Price has also contributed to discussions on specific aspects of neurodiversity, such as pathological demand avoidance (PDA). He contextualizes PDA as an act of consent and self-advocacy, offering a perspective that reframes behaviors often seen as problematic into understandable responses to environmental pressures. This approach is characteristic of Price’s work, which consistently seeks to destigmatize and humanize experiences that are often pathologized or misunderstood.

Through his books, articles, and teaching, Devon Price aims to challenge conventional wisdom about productivity, neurodiversity, and mental health. His work encourages readers to question deeply ingrained societal beliefs about work, worth, and normalcy, offering alternative perspectives that emphasize compassion, understanding, and the validity of diverse human experiences.