What Is Masking in Autism?

Masking is a complex coping mechanism frequently employed by individuals with autism, including those who are undiagnosed or late-diagnosed. It involves consciously or unconsciously hiding one’s autistic traits and adopting behaviours that are considered more socially acceptable or neurotypical. Masking can encompass a wide range of strategies and efforts, from mimicking facial expressions and body language to suppressing stimming behaviours (self-stimulatory behaviours, such as hand-flapping or rocking) and forcing oneself to make eye contact during conversations. Here’s a closer look at the concept of masking:

Reasons for Masking

One of the primary reasons for masking among autistic individuals is the desire for social acceptance. Humans, by nature, crave belonging and acceptance within their social groups, whether those are circles of friends, family, or colleagues. For many autistic individuals, their natural behaviours, speech patterns, or interests may not align with what is considered ‘typical’ or ‘normal’ by neurotypical standards. As a result, they may feel compelled to hide these aspects of themselves to blend in, avoid negative judgments, and secure a place within their social circle. This process of masking can include mimicking neurotypical behaviours, suppressing stimming (self-stimulatory behaviours), or feigning interest in popular topics. The underlying goal is to minimize the risk of social exclusion and maintain connections with peers, despite the mental and emotional toll this effort may exact.

Professional Success

In many professional environments, there are explicit and implicit expectations regarding how employees should act, communicate, and interact with each other. These environments often do not account for neurodiversity, equating professional competence with the ability to engage in small talk, maintain eye contact, or exhibit flexibility in work routines. Autistic individuals may fail to meet these expectations and succeed professionally. They might force themselves to participate in networking events, suppress their need for routine to adapt to last-minute changes, or hide their discomfort in socially intense situations. The pressure to mask in professional settings often stems from concerns about job security, career advancement, and the desire to be seen as a competent, valuable member of the team. Unfortunately, the effort to mask can lead to increased stress, burnout, and a sense of alienation from one’s authentic self.

Personal Safety

Regrettably, the fear of bullying, harassment, or misunderstanding is a genuine concern for many autistic individuals. Behaviors that are natural expressions of autism, such as stimming, special interests, or alternative communication methods, can be misinterpreted or stigmatized by those who are unfamiliar with or intolerant of neurodiversity. In extreme cases, these misunderstandings can escalate into situations where the autistic individual’s safety is at risk. To guard against potential harm, individuals may engage in masking behaviors, hiding the traits that might make them targets for bullying or violence. This form of masking is often driven by a survival instinct, reflecting a pragmatic adaptation to societal prejudices rather than a genuine desire to conform. It underscores the importance of increasing awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity to create a safer environment for all individuals to express themselves authentically.

In conclusion, the reasons for masking autism are complex and multifaceted, touching upon deep human needs for acceptance, success, and safety. While masking can be a practical strategy for navigating a world not designed with neurodiversity in mind, it is also essential to recognize the psychological cost and advocate for more inclusive social, professional, and public spaces where autistic individuals can be themselves without fear of repercussion.

How Masking is Done

Copying Neurotypical Behavior: Observing and imitating the social interactions of neurotypical individuals.

Scripting: Preparing conversations or responses in advance to avoid the stress of impromptu social interaction.
Suppressing Natural Behaviors: Actively controlling or hiding autistic traits, such as avoiding stimming or forcing oneself to maintain eye contact.

What Does Masking Mean in Autism | Example Scenarios

In a Family Setting

Scenario: Emily is a 27-year-old who was recently diagnosed with autism. Growing up, she learned to mask her symptoms in order to blend in with her family and peers. During family gatherings, Emily finds social interactions overwhelming but forces herself to participate. She smiles, nods, and laughs along with conversations, even when she doesn’t understand the humour or feels anxious about the noise and number of people around her. To avoid suspicion or unnecessary concern, Emily has mastered the art of making eye contact for what she counts as an “acceptable” amount of time, despite it causing her discomfort. When younger cousins play loudly or the ambient noise gets too much, she suppresses the urge to cover her ears or retreat to a quieter space, fearing it would draw unwelcome attention or prompt her family to treat her differently.

In an Employment Scenario

Scenario: Jordan is an autistic adult working in a fast-paced tech company. Aware of the social dynamics at play within the office, he has adopted masking techniques to ensure he fits in. This includes forcing himself to participate in small talk with colleagues, a practice he finds exhausting and pointless but necessary for maintaining a facade of sociability. He also meticulously scripts responses for meetings and social events to appear more spontaneous and confident. Jordan is particularly mindful of his tendency to avoid eye contact during conversations, so he makes a conscious effort to meet others’ gazes, even though it makes him incredibly uncomfortable. Additionally, despite his need for a structured routine, he tries to appear flexible and unfazed when last-minute changes occur, fearing that voicing his discomfort might lead to being perceived as difficult or uncooperative.

Both scenarios highlight the lengths to which individuals with autism might go to mask their symptoms in different environments. In a family setting, masking might be driven by the desire to avoid being treated differently or out of concern for worry from loved ones. In the workplace, the motivation might stem from professional survival, the need to fit into the company culture, and the fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. While these strategies might help them navigate social interactions in the short term, they often come at a high personal cost, including stress, anxiety, and a loss of personal identity.

Effects of Masking

Exhaustion: Constant vigilance and effort to appear neurotypical can lead to mental and physical fatigue.

Loss of Identity: Long-term masking can make individuals feel like they are losing touch with who they are, leading to questions about their genuine self.
Increased Anxiety and Depression: The stress of masking and fear of being ‘found out’ can exacerbate mental health issues.
Delayed Diagnosis: Masking can lead to a delay in recognizing and diagnosing autism, particularly in women and girls, who might be better at masking or might be less likely to be suspected of autism due to societal stereotypes.

Unmasking and Acceptance

Unmasking in autism refers to the process wherein autistic individuals stop or reduce their efforts to camouflage or hide their autistic traits to fit into neurotypical norms. This process involves revealing one’s true, authentic self, which can lead to significant relief from the exhaustion that comes with constant camouflaging. Autistic people often engage in masking to blend into neurotypical society by repressing and hiding their autistic characteristics. Unmasking allows individuals to express their neurodivergence freely without conforming to societal expectations that do not align with their natural tendencies^[1][2].

Key points highlighted in discussions about unmasking in autism include the mental and emotional relief that comes with ceasing camouflage behaviours, which are often tiring and unfulfilling. Social psychologist Devon Price emphasizes the freedom and self-acceptance that can be found through unmasking, suggesting that neurodivergent people can experience greater self-realization and authenticity when they stop masking^[1]. The act of unmasking is crucial for autistic individuals as it not only alleviates the personal burden of constant performance but also challenges societal norms, fostering a more inclusive environment that recognizes and values neurodiversity^[2].

By embracing their neurodivergent identities, autistic individuals can contribute to changing societal perceptions and creating spaces that are more accommodating of diverse behaviours and needs. Unmasking autism, therefore, is not just a personal journey toward authenticity but also a step toward societal transformation, making it critical for both neurodivergent individuals and the larger community^[2].

Three key elements are:

Self-Acceptance: Learning to accept one’s autistic traits can be a liberating process, though challenging.
Finding Community: Connecting with other autistic individuals, whether formally diagnosed or self-identified, can provide support and a sense of belonging.

Advocacy for Neurodiversity: Promoting awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity in society encourages more inclusive environments where masking becomes less necessary.

While masking can be a strategic choice to navigate a world designed for neurotypical individuals, it comes with significant emotional and psychological costs. Greater awareness and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity in society, as well as supportive environments that celebrate differences, can alleviate the need for masking. For those who have been masking, recognizing the toll it takes and finding safe spaces and communities where they can be their authentic selves is crucial for mental health and well-being.