How Well Do You Recognize Autistic Masking?

For some people, camouflaging is helpful as it allows them to talk to people, go to school, and get a job without being treated differently because of their autism. 

Autistic masking refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression or hiding of elements of a person's autistic identity. 

Mimicking the social behavior of others, including gestures or facial expressions. Deliberately forcing or faking eye contact during conversations. Hiding or underplaying their own intense interests. Scripting or rehearsing conversations, or preparing a bank of 'stock phrases' for conversations.

Across genders, masking is associated with more symptoms of generalized and social anxiety, as well as depression.

People who mask regularly often say they feel drained and exhausted by the effort of trying to conform to neurotypical standards of behavior.

To minimize the harmful effects of masking autism, it is better to work toward a world in which neurodiverse people are accepted as they are, and people are treated with respect and kindness whether they communicate in neurotypical ways or not.

There are various things that family members and friends can do to help autistic individuals who mask. But, the best they can do is to be patient, kind, and avoid judgments. 

Autistic masking is an involuntary response to social pressures and expectations. It is a coping mechanism developed by autistic individuals to navigate social situations and avoid potential stigma or discrimination.

Masking may prevent autistic individuals from forming genuine connections and relationships.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is an American 501 nonprofit advocacy organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum.