Masking and Being Autistic
“To ‘mask’ or to ‘camouflage’ means to hide or disguise parts of oneself to better fit in with those around you. It is an unconscious strategy all humans develop whilst growing up to connect with those around us.”
Quote from Dr Hannah Belcher who is a lecturer, researcher, speaker and author – See article on www.autism.org.uk.
While masking can help individuals with autism blend in and cope with social demands, it comes with challenges and potential drawbacks, especially for teenagers.
Please note that masking is not often by choice, but a coping mechanism.
Key aspects of masking in autistic children and teens:
Social Camouflage:
Autistic young people and adults may observe and imitate social cues, expressions, and communication styles of their neurotypical peers to appear more socially adept.
Concealing Autistic Traits:
Masking involves hiding or downplaying certain autistic characteristics, such as stimming (self-stimulatory behaviours), repetitive movements, intense interests, or unusual speech patterns.
Adapting Communication Styles:
Children and teens may modify the way they communicate, such as using scripted language or adopting a more formal tone, to align with societal expectations.
Managing Sensory Sensitivities:
Individuals might suppress sensory sensitivities to avoid drawing attention to themselves. For example, they may endure uncomfortable sensory experiences without expressing discomfort.
Social Exhaustion:
Masking can be mentally and emotionally taxing, leading to social exhaustion and increased stress levels over time. Imagine being in a large secondary school all day and having to adapt to the social and sensory stimulation!
Impact on Mental Health:
Prolonged or intensive masking may contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of identity confusion, as individuals may struggle to reconcile their true selves with the masked persona.
Difficulty in Self-Advocacy:
Masking may make it challenging for autistic individuals to communicate their needs, preferences, and challenges effectively, hindering self-advocacy.
Understanding and addressing masking is crucial for providing support to autistic children and teens. Creating an environment that values neurodiversity, promotes acceptance, and encourages open communication can help individuals feel more comfortable expressing their authentic selves without the need to constantly mask. It’s also important for parents, educators, and caregivers to be aware of the signs of masking and to provide opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to express themselves in ways that feel natural and authentic to them.
Come and join our Professional Neurodiversity Workshops to find out how to better support individuals who are autistic.
Email: info@neurothrive.org.uk
Call Julie Wales on 07412651894