Masking

Day 20 of a 30-day series originally published for Facebook April 2021

Masking is the concept of intentionally learning neurotypical traits and mimicking them in social situations. It can also involve actively suppressing self-regulatory behaviors like arm flapping because they aren’t socially acceptable.

Sounds like “fitting in” right? Wrong. Masking is the continuous, long-term denial of self. While the occasional masking may not be detrimental, it’s the constant camouflaging that is harmful. It can lead to serious mental and physical health problems including depression, anxiety, identity crisis, and suicide.

Autistic females are overwhelmingly at risk for the long-term health risks of masking. Female autistics are often so good at masking that they aren’t even identified as being autistic until well into adulthood. Many female autistics, and males too, are often mistaken for “snobs,” introverts, and even narcissists.

The answer to masking is to continually work towards a society where neurodiversity is accepted and celebrated.