Autistic masking, also known as camouflaging, is a coping strategy used by autistic individuals to navigate social situations and fit in with neurotypical expectations.
It involves suppressing or hiding autistic traits and behaviors while mimicking or adopting neurotypical social norms and communication styles.
Autistic people may mask to avoid stigma, discrimination, and negative social consequences associated with their autism diagnosis. Masking can also be a way to form connections with others and to be accepted in social settings.
Masking is not exclusive to autism. It is also common for people with ADHD to engage in masking behaviors to appear more neurotypical. However, anyone may mask to some degree.
Imagine you are attending a job interview; you are probably going to put on a professional mask and hold back on some of your more casual behaviors to make a good impression. People who work in retail or customer service likely put on a mask to appear more approachable, smiley, and helpful.
The difference with masking in autistic individuals is that they may mask their traits of autism in most or all settings to appear ‘normal.’
They are hiding who they really are, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This can result in many unwanted consequences.
Common masking behaviors
Masking can take many forms and may vary from person to person. Some common masking behaviors include:
- Forcing eye contact during conversations
- Suppressing stimming behaviors (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, verbal stims)
- Scripting or rehearsing social interactions beforehand
- Mimicking facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice
- Hiding special interests or pretending to be interested in topics others enjoy
- Thinking about the impression that is made on others and adjusting accordingly
- Researching ‘social rules’ to better cope in interactions
My experience with masking
One of my masking behaviors is that I try to force myself to make eye contact even though this feels very uncomfortable and too intense for me. I also pay close attention to the facial expressions of the other person and mimic what they do. For example, if my friend is telling a funny story and they are smiling, I will make sure to mirror that smile back to them. If they seem frustrated or sad, I will make sure to alter my expressions and words to match their vibe. I think I have learned to do this so that I do not appear rude or disinterested in the other person. I am very much interested in what they are saying, but it is not natural for me to show this in my face. I don't want the other person to think I do not care, so I make sure to show the appropriate expressions.
Impact of masking and its consequences
How can masking impact a diagnosis?
Masking can have significant implications for the diagnosis of autism. Here are several ways in which masking can affect the diagnostic process:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Autistic individuals who mask may be misdiagnosed or have a delayed diagnosis because their autistic traits are not as apparent to professionals.
They may not exhibit the stereotypical behaviors associated with autism, leading to a missed or incorrect diagnosis.
Autistic individuals who mask may be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or a personality disorder for example.
It may be the case that they do have co-occurring disorders alongside autism, but these may be diagnosed first, and anything other than that may not be considered.
I was always very socially anxious through childhood and into adulthood and received therapy for social anxiety. While this did help me feel less anxious in social situations, I still felt like I was putting on a performance and not being myself when speaking to others, so I was still struggling. Now I have an autism diagnosis, I know why I had additional social challenges.
If you attend an autism assessment, it would be helpful to discuss with the professional any prior diagnoses you may have had or suspected you had. This can give them a better understanding of the struggles you have had and whether autism may have played a part.
Gender Bias in Diagnostic Rates
The ability to mask can lead to a lack of recognition of autism in females, resulting in a gender bias in diagnostic rates.
Girls and women are often diagnosed later in life than boys and men. This delay in diagnosis can be attributed to the fact that females are often better at masking their autistic traits, leading to a higher likelihood of being overlooked or misdiagnosed.
A meta-analysis found that the male-to-female ratio in autism diagnoses was 4:1, suggesting a significant underdiagnosis of females.
My autism assessment is probably one of the first places where I had to consciously try NOT to mask, which felt very difficult. Luckily, my assessor seemed to pick up on the fact that I was partially masking during the assessment and made sure to ask me questions related to that.
If you think you are someone who resonates with masking behaviors discussed in this article, I think it's helpful to describe these experiences of masking in your autism assessment. I told my assessor that I had researched masking and I related to most behaviors others had described.
If you catch yourself masking during the assessment, don't be afraid to tell the assessor that you believe you may be masking and the specific things you are doing e.g., You can tell them, 'I am trying to consciously make eye contact with you so that I appear more engaged.' This may help to make sure you are recieving an accurate diagnosis.
Lack of Support and Interventions
A delayed or missed diagnosis due to masking can lead to a lack of access to appropriate support and interventions.
Without a timely diagnosis, autistic individuals may not receive the necessary accommodations and services in educational and occupational settings.
This can further exacerbate the challenges they face and negatively impact their mental health and well-being.
Misunderstanding of Autistic Experiences
Masking can lead to a misunderstanding of the true experiences and challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Individuals who think they could be autistic may be faced with disbelief from others or accused of lying because they ‘do not seem autistic’ as a result of masking.
Without an understanding that masking is common in autism, support, and empathy may not be given by others.
Burnout
Masking is mentally and emotionally exhausting, often leading to burnout and fatigue.
Autistic individuals may feel the need to be “on” all the time, constantly monitoring their behavior and adjusting their actions to fit in with neurotypical expectations.
A study found that autistic adults reported feeling exhausted, isolated, and experiencing poor mental and physical health due to the amount of time spent masking.
Participants described masking as “an automatic response in order to survive” but one that came at a significant cost to their well-being.
When I was living with housemates, I didn't feel like I could be 100% authentic with them, which meant I was constantly 'on.' I struggled with depressed feelings during this time, which looking back, could well have been burnout from masking.
Mental health challenges
Masking has been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Research has found that autistic adults who reported higher levels of camouflaging also reported higher levels of anxiety and depression.
The study suggested that the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms and the constant effort to mask one’s true self can have detrimental effects on mental health.
People-pleasing
Masking can lead to people-pleasing behaviors and a fear of rejection, as autistic individuals may prioritize the needs and expectations of others over their own.
Autistic individuals may feel pressured to agree with others, avoid conflict, and maintain a certain image to be accepted and liked.
Dr. Devon Price in his book ‘Unmasking Autism‘ explains that a core feature of masking is setting one’s own feelings aside so we can focus on pleasing others or conforming to social norms.
He adds that it can be “damaging to put social approval and ‘passing‘ as neurotypical above our actual needs.”
A study found that autistic adults reported engaging in people-pleasing behaviors as part of their camouflaging strategies.
Participants described agreeing with others even when they disagreed, avoiding expressing their own opinions, and prioritizing others’ needs over their own to maintain social relationships and avoid rejection.
Substance-use
Some autistic individuals may turn to substance use as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety associated with masking.
The constant pressure to fit in and the exhaustion that comes with masking may lead some individuals to seek relief through alcohol or drugs. Using substances can also be a way to dull sensory sensitivities.
While research specifically linking masking to substance misuse in autistic individuals is limited, studies have shown higher rates of substance use disorders in the autistic population compared to the general population.
The added stress and mental health challenges associated with masking may contribute to an increased risk of substance misuse.
Dr. Price explains:
“Social norms are loosened when people are drinking… If you say something weird at a party, drunk people might forget it ever happened. The ease of being around other drunk people can itself be kind of intoxicating. Unfortunately, relying on substances in order to feel at ease or connected can rapidly become self-destructive.”
Identity issues
Masking can lead to identity issues and a sense of not knowing one’s true self.
Autistic individuals who spend significant time and energy masking may feel like they are living a double life, constantly switching between their authentic autistic self and their neurotypical persona.
For myself, I felt like I had a different mask for each person I socialized with. Then when these people came together in a group setting, I would feel overwhelmed from not knowing which mask to put on to please everyone.
Researchers argue that masking can be seen as a form of identity suppression, where autistic individuals feel pressured to hide their true selves to fit in with societal norms.
This constant suppression of one’s identity can lead to feelings of self-doubt, confusion, and a lack of self-acceptance.
Is masking ever a good thing?
While there are a lot of downsides to masking autism, many may find benefits to masking from time to time.
Masking can help autistic individuals navigate social situations more smoothly, potentially leading to increased social acceptance and opportunities in education and employment.
It can also serve as a protective mechanism in situations where autistic people would feel unsafe showing their true selves. For example, it can help with avoiding being bullied or discriminated against.
While masking may provide short-term benefits in certain situations, it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term strategy for autistic individuals.
Instead, the focus should be on creating more accepting and inclusive environments that embrace neurodiversity.
Unmasking and embracing autistic identity
It can be important for autistic individuals to have the opportunity to unmask and embrace their autistic identity.
Building awareness and understanding of autism can help reduce the stigma and discrimination that often leads to masking.
Benefits of Unmasking
Unmasking and being true to oneself can have significant benefits for mental health and well-being.
Researchers suggest that unmasking can lead to a more authentic sense of self and improved relationships with others.
When autistic individuals feel safe to be their true selves, they can form deeper connections with those around them and experience a greater sense of belonging and acceptance.
Moreover, unmasking can help reduce the cognitive and emotional burden associated with constantly suppressing one’s natural behaviors and traits.
By embracing their autistic identity, individuals can conserve the energy previously spent on masking and redirect it towards more fulfilling pursuits and self-care.
How to Start Unmasking
Starting the process of unmasking can be challenging, especially for those who have been masking for most of their lives.
Dropping the mask is not as simple as flicking a switch to turn it off. Remember, masking is a behavior that has been learned and reinforced for many years for some people.
Unmasking is a gradual process and may take time and patience.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help start your unmasking journey:
- Reflect on your masking behaviors: Take time to identify the specific ways in which you mask, such as suppressing stimming, forcing eye contact, or scripting social interactions.
- Identify safe spaces and people: Start by finding supportive environments and relationships where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. It may be best to start with a trusted friend or family member.
- Set small goals: Begin by setting small, achievable goals for unmasking, such as stimming openly in a safe space or sharing a special interest with a trusted friend.
- Reflect on what happened: After the social situation, consider how it went. Did the other person respond well? Did they even notice that you were stimming?
- Gradually increase unmasking: As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your unmasking behaviors in different settings and with more people. Remember to go at your own pace.
- Practice self-compassion: Unmasking can be emotionally challenging, so it’s important to practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself throughout the process. Celebrate your progress and recognize that setbacks are a normal part of the journey.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, therapists, or support groups as you navigate the unmasking process. Remember that you are not alone.
I have found that when I mention to people that I am autistic, I feel I can be more myself around them. While this may not work for everyone (only people I feel safe around), I've found that this disclosure helps break down that barrier for me. Most people I have told have been very understanding and have asked interesting and respectful questions and it has opened up exciting discussions. I've found that people are also more open to sharing about themselves when I am honest with them. As someone who has a strong interest in the brain and human behavior, I really enjoy getting into these conversations!
It is crucial to remember that unmasking is a personal journey and may look different for everyone. Some individuals may choose to unmask in certain settings or with specific people, while others may feel comfortable unmasking more broadly.
The key is to find a balance that feels safe and authentic to the individual.
Celebrating Neurodiversity
Celebrating neurodiversity and recognizing the strengths and unique perspectives of autistic individuals can help create a more inclusive society.
By embracing autistic identity and challenging societal norms, we can work towards a world where autistic individuals feel empowered to be themselves without the need to mask.
This involves promoting a more diverse understanding of autism and challenging stereotypes and misconceptions.
It means recognizing that autistic individuals have valuable contributions to make and that their differences should be celebrated rather than stigmatized.
On an individual level, we can work to educate ourselves and others about autism and challenge our own biases and assumptions.
On a systemic level, we can advocate for policies and practices that support the inclusion and empowerment of autistic individuals in all aspects of society.
By celebrating neurodiversity and creating a more accepting world, we can help reduce the pressure to mask and allow autistic individuals to thrive as their authentic selves.
References
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