Autism Masking: Balancing Authenticity and Adaptation

Ever wondered what it's like to perform a carefully crafted act every single day like you're on TV or in the movies? This is pretty much the everyday situation of individuals with autism spectrum disorders with masking behavior. They work hard to blend in with the neurotypical world and norms and hide their true selves.

What is Autism Masking?

Masking autism, often referred to as “camouflaging,” is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon where individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) consciously or unconsciously alter their behavior, responses, and expressions to fit in with neurotypical societal expectations.

This practice can include mimicking social behaviors, using rehearsed scripts, faking eye contact, hiding autistic traits, and suppressing natural responses.

Both autistic and non-autistic adolescents engage in masking behaviors for reasons similar to those of adults (Bernardin et al., 2021) to avoid social judgments and to be socially acceptable. In autistic adolescents, in particular, this can lead to exhaustion (Hull et al., 2021)

Autistic masking is a coping mechanism to avoid social stigma (Frost, 2021), rejection, or misunderstandings. While it may help individuals navigate social situations more smoothly, it can also lead to significant mental and emotional strain when individuals with autism conceal their true identities.

Autistic masking, or social camouflaging, involves the deliberate effort to conceal or minimize characteristics associated with autism. This can include a wide range of behaviors like controlling or suppressing stimming behaviors (repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking), modulating speech patterns, and suppressing unique interests or topics of conversation during small talk. Some even avoid standing to conceal their autistic gestures. Masking is a way to hide their true selves to fit in.

Masking can be an exhausting effort and often leads to feelings of inauthenticity, stress, and anxiety. For autistic people, the need to mask arises from the need to be socially acceptable or to avoid negative attention. Autistic masking is prevalent among many autistic adults and significantly impacts their lives and mental well-being.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Autistic people may have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or expressing themselves effectively.

Autism presents in different versions with common symptoms, including social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and sensory meltdowns. Individuals with autism may struggle with loud noises and other sensory stimuli, leading to significant discomfort or distress. Social interactions can be challenging due to difficulties understanding and responding to social cues, which are central aspects of autism's diverse manifestations.

Neurodivergents often exhibit repetitive behaviors, adherence to routines, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Autism is broad in its presentation and severity, hence the term “spectrum.” It typically appears at a young age and persists throughout life. While there is no cure for ASD, early diagnosis and intervention with therapies tailored to individual needs can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

Autistic Masking Examples

Autism masking can manifest in numerous ways, depending on the individual and the context. Here are some common examples:

1. Mimicking Social Cues: An individual might closely observe and imitate the body language, facial expressions, and speech patterns of their neurotypical peers to blend in.
2. Suppressing Stimming: While stimming behaviors help regulate sensory input and emotions, many autistic individuals will suppress these actions in public to avoid drawing attention or being judged.
3. Using Scripts: Some people with autism may rely on pre-prepared scripts for social interactions. These scripts help them navigate conversations more predictably and avoid unexpected social pitfalls.
4. Hiding Interests: An autistic person might downplay or hide their special interests if they feel these interests would be perceived as unusual or obsessive by others.
5. Forced Eye Contact: Although making eye contact can be uncomfortable or even painful for some with autism, they might force themselves to do it because it is often expected in social interactions.

Masking can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals with autism, helping them fit into social situations but often leading to exhaustion, isolation, and delayed diagnosis.

The Strain of Masking Autism

Masking autism is not just about hiding; it involves self acceptance and a continuous effort to adapt. This can be especially challenging because it requires constant vigilance and self-monitoring.

Autistic masking is a dynamic process that can change depending on the social context, the presence of supportive individuals, and the level of perceived social threat. Masking requires a substantial amount of mental energy, as individuals must constantly match the behavior of others and adapt.

While masking can sometimes be beneficial, allowing individuals to function in environments that might otherwise be overwhelming, it can also have significant drawbacks.

Prolonged masking can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It can trigger low self-esteem and impact well-being, as the individual may feel they cannot be their true self.

High Masking Autism

High masking autism refers to individuals who are particularly adept at masking their autistic traits. These individuals may appear to function well in social situations, often leading others to underestimate the challenges they face.

High masking can lead to a lack of recognition and understanding of the individual’s needs, as their autism may be less apparent to others. This can result in a lack of appropriate support and accommodations.

High masking is often seen in individuals diagnosed later in life, particularly women and non-binary individuals, marginalized groups who are more likely to internalize societal expectations and mask their traits effectively.

Despite outward appearances, high masking individuals often experience significant internal struggles, including anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of isolation. Receiving an autism diagnosis can lead to a better understanding of one's masking behaviors, allowing individuals to embrace their true autistic selves and seek appropriate support.

Autism Masking Symptoms and Autistic Traits

The symptoms of autism masking can vary widely but often include:

1. Social Exhaustion: Constantly monitoring and adjusting behavior to fit social norms can be incredibly tiring.
2. Anxiety and Depression: The stress of hiding one’s true self and the fear of being “found out” can lead to significant mental health issues.
3. Burnout: Prolonged periods of masking can lead to a state of burnout, characterized by extreme fatigue, a lack of motivation, and a diminished ability to cope with everyday tasks.
4. Identity Confusion: Constantly pretending to be someone else can lead to confusion about one’s true identity and a sense of inauthenticity.
5. Social Withdrawal: The effort required to mask can be so overwhelming that individuals might avoid social situations altogether to conserve energy.

Additionally, individuals may hide their autistic characteristics as part of masking to blend in with their peers in social settings and ensure these traits go unnoticed.

Masking Behavior

These behaviors are diverse and can be context-dependent. Here are some common autism masking traits:

1. Concealing Stimming: Instead of openly engaging in stimming behaviors, an individual might find subtler ways to stim, such as tapping fingers against their leg instead of flapping hands.
2. Feigning Interest: Pretending to be interested in topics of conversation that are uninteresting or confusing to fit in with peers.
3. Learning and Using Scripts: Preparing phrases or responses in advance to use in social interactions, reducing the unpredictability of conversations.
4. Modifying Speech: Adjusting the tone, pitch, or volume of their voice to match those around them.
5. Copying Mannerisms: Observing and mimicking the gestures, facial expressions, and body language of neurotypical individuals.

Masking often involves strategies to hide autistic characteristics, such as concealing or suppressing certain behaviors that might reveal one's autistic traits.

The Impact of Autism Masking on Mental Health

The development and validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) in studies on developmental disorders highlight the challenges and impacts of camouflaging autistic traits.

The mental health impact of autism masking can be profound. Many individuals who mask their autism experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to the constant effort required to maintain their facade. This can lead to long-term psychological consequences, including:

• Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders: Individuals who mask their autism are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
• Emotional Distress: The need to suppress one’s true self can lead to significant emotional distress and feelings of isolation.
• Delayed Diagnosis: High masking can result in delayed or missed diagnoses, as the individual’s autistic traits may be less noticeable to clinicians and educators.

Supporting Individuals With an Autism Mask

Supporting autistic people who have their mask on involves creating an environment where people with autism feel more safe to be themselves. Often, individuals with autism modify their behavior to appear more socially acceptable, which can be exhausting and lead to feelings of isolation.

Here are some ways to support this:

1. Promote Acceptance: Foster an inclusive environment where neurodiversity is understood and accepted.
2. Provide Accommodations: Offer accommodations that allow individuals to engage in natural behaviors without fear of judgment.
3. Encourage Self-Expression: Support individuals in expressing their needs and preferences without the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms.
4. Educate Others: Raise awareness about the challenges of masking and the importance of recognizing and respecting neurodiversity.
5. Be Aware of their Sensory Sensitivities. Create a calm environment by minimizing loud noises and bright lights, offer noise-canceling headphones, and respect personal space. Understanding and accommodating individual sensory sensitivities can significantly reduce discomfort and anxiety.

Masking autism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can have significant implications for the mental and emotional well-being of individuals on the autism spectrum. While it can help navigate social situations and avoid stigma, the cost of masking is often high, leading to mental health challenges and a sense of inauthenticity.

Understanding and supporting those who mask their autism is crucial in promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. By recognizing and respecting the diverse ways in which individuals with autism experience and interact with the world, we can create environments where everyone feels valued and understood.

In the workplace, autistic adults who mask their symptoms use it as a survival mechanism. Autistic people may find it easier to secure and retain employment. Demonstrating behaviors that align with workplace expectations can help them fit into team dynamics, follow routines, and meet performance standards that might be perceived as crucial by employers. This can lead to greater job stability, career advancement, and financial independence, which are significant factors for individuals with developmental disorders.

It is also important to understand and support autistic people who mask, as they often face additional challenges related to intersectionality, such as those experienced by Autistic BIPOC and Trans individuals.

Is Masking Autism Healthy?

The question of whether masking autism is healthy is complex and depends on various factors, including the individual’s circumstances and the extent to which they engage in masking. While masking can help people with autism navigate social situations and reduce immediate social challenges, it can also have significant negative impacts on mental and emotional health.

The National Autistic Society emphasizes that increased awareness and understanding of neurodiverse behaviors among non-autistic people can reduce the need for masking. It suggests that fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and seeking professional support can help autistic individuals manage the impact of masking.

For many autistic adults, displaying socially acceptable behavior through masking can facilitate smoother interactions in both personal and professional settings. By mimicking neurotypical people with social cues and behaviors, they may avoid misunderstandings and negative judgments from others. This can lead to more positive social engagements and the ability to form connections that might otherwise be challenging due to the social communication differences inherent in autism.

Short-Term Benefits of Masking Autism

1. Social Acceptance: Masking can lead to better acceptance in social situations, as individuals may appear to fit in more easily with neurotypical peers. Autistic teenagers may experience social acceptance and reduced bullying through masking.
2. Reduced Bullying: By blending in, individuals might avoid bullying or negative attention that can arise from being perceived as different.
3. Increased Opportunities: Masking can sometimes open doors to social, educational, and professional opportunities that might otherwise be less accessible.

While masking autism can offer short-term benefits by helping individuals navigate social expectations and reduce immediate challenges, it is not without significant long-term costs. The practice can lead to mental well-being issues, identity confusion, emotional exhaustion, and social isolation. Therefore, it is crucial to promote environments that support authenticity and acceptance, allowing individuals with autism to thrive without the need for constant monitoring and masking.

Long-Term Negative Impacts of Masking Autism

1. Mental Health Issues: Prolonged masking can lead to significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. The constant effort to hide one’s true self can be incredibly stressful and exhausting. Masking techniques often develop from a really young age, intertwining with a person's core identity during their formative years.
2. Identity Confusion: Continually pretending to be someone else can lead to confusion about one’s true identity and a sense of inauthenticity.
3. Emotional Exhaustion: The effort required to maintain the facade can result in emotional exhaustion and a diminished capacity to cope with everyday stressors.
4. Delayed Diagnosis and Support: High masking can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses, as the individual’s autistic traits may be less noticeable to clinicians, educators, and even family members. This can result in a lack of appropriate support and accommodations.
5. Isolation: The fear of being “found out” or judged can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, as individuals may avoid social situations to conserve energy or protect themselves from potential negative experiences.

Unmasking Autism: Finding a Balance 

While some degree of self-preservation and masking may be necessary in certain situations, individuals need to find a balance that allows them to maintain their mental and emotional health. Here are some strategies:

1. Safe Spaces: Creating and identifying safe spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or negative consequences.
2. Support Networks: Building a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who understand and accept their true self.
3. Self-Awareness and Advocacy: Encouraging self-awareness and self-advocacy so individuals can communicate their needs and boundaries effectively.
4. Mental Health Support: Seeking support from professionals who understand autism and the challenges associated with masking.
5. Celebrate neurodiversity: Acknowledges and values the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with various neurological differences, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Accepting and understanding autism and developmental issues is a way for us to embrace neurodiversity.

We, as a society, should encourage autistic people to embrace and express their true selves and not put pressure on neurodivergent people to meet social expectations. By fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, we can help reduce the pressures to mask and support the overall well-being of individuals with autism and developmental disorders.