What is Masking?
What is masking and why do so many neurodivergent people use this strategy?
What are the consequences of masking?
How do we support our child to drop the mask and feel OK with being themselves?
These are all questions we hear a lot in clinical practise. Find out more below!
What is Masking?
Masking is a strategy used by autistic people, either consciously or unconsciously, to camouflage and disguise, to ultimately appear not autistic or ‘neurotypical’. An autistic person can be highly aware of other people’s social needs and adjust themselves to try to meet them. The function of masking is typically to try and ‘fit in’, and to be accepted by those around them. It is often used in situations where a person does not feel safe, and masking is a way of protecting themselves and making themselves feel more comfortable.
Ultimately, masking is a survival strategy used in situations where someone doesn't feel safe to be themselves.
We know that masking is not unique to autism; people with other neurotypes including ADHD may also mask their needs and differences. However, autistic masking can often be excessive, take tremendous effort, and has a considerable impact on identity, self esteem, and mental health.
Why do people mask?
- Self perseveration and survival
- To fit in
- To be accepted
- To gain friendships and other social relationships
- To cope in school
- To avoid negative consequences such as punishment or negative attention
- To avoid stigma, prejudice or mistreatment
- To disguise social communication differences
What does masking look like?
Masking can look different from person to person, and can change depending on the situation and how a person is coping.
Often, masking can be hard to pick up because a person can be so adept at doing it!
What are the consequence of masking?
Masking and suppressing natural behaviours can have significant consequences including:
- Fatigue/exhaustion
- Autistic burnout
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self esteem
- Feeling Loss of autistic identity
- Isolation and feeling disconnected to others
- Vulnerability to manipulation and abuse
- Late diagnosis
- Needs not being met
Is masking ever a good thing?
Whilst there are many downsides to masking, there are arguably, some positives. Masking can be helpful in some situations such as in professional settings and can help a person navigate a tricky social situation. It can protect a person from some much more negative outcomes such as bullying, peer pressure and abuse.
Whilst this sort of masking can be helpful in the short term, it is not healthy to sustain a high level of masking to such an extent that burnout and poor mental health occur. It is much better to create neuro inclusive environments where a young person feels safe and accepted, and there is less need to adopt a camouflaging strategy.
How to start unmasking?
Unmasking begins with creating spaces where autistic individuals feel secure enough to be themselves. Engaging in environments where acceptance is the norm, such as autism support groups, can foster a sense of belonging and reduce the compulsion to mask. Building strong relationships with trusted friends and family who understand and respect their authentic selves is another crucial step.
Another strategy is to gradually practice authenticity in low-stakes situations, which can help build confidence in being oneself. Therapy, particularly with professionals who specialize in autism, can also provide support and strategies tailored to individual needs. Lastly, education and advocacy play a significant role in unmasking, as they contribute to broader societal acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity.
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