Understanding Autism Masking

Masking (also known as camouflaging) is a social survival strategy where autistic individuals consciously or unconsciously hide their neurodivergent traits to fit into a neurotypical world. While it may help in professional or social settings, it often comes at a high emotional and physical cost.

Common Examples of Masking

• Forcing Eye Contact: Looking at someone's nose or eyes even if it feels painful or distracting.
• Mimicking Social Cues: Practicing facial expressions in the mirror or rehearsing conversations before they happen.
• Suppressing Stims: Holding back the urge to rock, hand-flap, or fidget in ways that feel natural.
• Monitoring Tone of Voice: Manually adjusting speech patterns to avoid sounding "robotic" or "too intense."

The Cost of "Fitting In"

Masking is not just "acting." It is an intense cognitive process that runs in the background of every interaction. Prolonged masking often leads to:

• Autistic Burnout: A state of total physical and mental exhaustion.
• Loss of Identity: Feeling like you don't know who you are without the mask.
• Anxiety and Depression: The constant stress of being "found out" or performing.

Unmasking and Authenticity

For many late-diagnosed adults, the journey involves learning how to safely "unmask." This doesn't mean stopping masking entirely, but rather choosing when it is necessary and when it is safe to be your authentic self.

If you feel like you are constantly performing in social situations, our self-assessment may help you identify the traits you've been working so hard to hide.