The Definition of Autism Masking
Autism masking, also known as social camouflaging, refers to the strategy where autistic adults mimic or hide their autistic traits, behaviours, or characteristics in order to fit in or appear more neurotypical in social situations.
This masking behaviour can include consciously or unconsciously imitating others’ behaviours, suppressing stimming (self-stimulatory behaviours), or adapting communication styles to better align with social norms, which leads to society’s acceptance. Masking can be a coping mechanism to navigate social interactions and reduce the likelihood of bullying, rejection, or misunderstanding. However, it can also be exhausting and lead to increased stress, anxiety, mental health concerns and difficulties in maintaining a sense of identity or understanding one’s own needs.
Common Scenarios Where Individuals May Engage in Masking
Autistic masking can be visible in various scenarios, often in social situations where an autistic person feels pressure to conform or where their differences may be more noticeable. Some common scenarios include:
- Social gatherings - Autistic individuals may mask their true feelings or reactions in social gatherings to avoid standing out or to try to fit in with neurotypical behaviour.
- Work or school - In professional or academic settings, autistic individuals may mask their difficulties with social communication or sensory issues to avoid negative perceptions or to perform better in these environments.
- Job interviews - During job interviews, autistic individuals may mask their autistic traits to make a more favourable impression and increase their chances of being hired.
- Dating and relationships - In romantic relationships, autistic individuals may mask their difficulties with social cues or expressions of affection to maintain the relationship or avoid misunderstandings.
- Everyday interactions - In daily interactions, autistic individuals may mask stimming behaviours, special interests, or sensory sensitivities to avoid drawing attention to themselves or to fit in with social expectations.
Some distinct situations where autistic people may engage in masking are interconnected with the common scenarios in the given settings, such as socialising with peers, attending job training or workshops, meeting new people, and participating in group activities. We should all remember that these situations can vary widely based on individual experiences and preferences, and not all autistic individuals may engage in masking in the same way or in all of these situations.
The Role of Masking in Managing Social Situations
Masking behaviours, also known as camouflaging autistic traits, play a complex role in managing social situations for autistic adults. On one hand, masking can help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) navigate social interactions and reduce the probability of experiencing negative reactions or social exclusion. It can also be a way to cope with sensory sensitivities or communication challenges in social settings.
However, masking can have negative impacts on mental health. The pressure to mask autistic traits can lead to increased feelings of isolation and anxiety disorders. It can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression and autistic burnout. Research has shown that autistic individuals who engage in high levels of masking are more likely to experience mental health issues.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the impact of masking on autistic individuals’ mental health. The concept of autism acceptance emphasises the importance of accepting autistic individuals for who they are, including their autistic traits, without expecting them to mask or change to fit in with neurotypical norms. This approach promotes a more inclusive and understanding society that respects the diversity of autism spectrum conditions.
The Toll on Mental Health
Masking can take a significant toll on mental health for people within the autism spectrum, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as increased stress, which can be challenging in unfamiliar or high-pressure social environments. For autistic people, it may also cause feelings of inauthenticity and loss of the sense of being true to oneself. In recent research, we discovered that 4 in 10 autistic children experience some anxiety disorder and that 7 in 10 autistic children experience mental health problems. Social masking in autistic people can cause social isolation and burnout that deeply impacts or contributes to the development of mental health conditions.
Impact on Self-Esteem
Constantly masking autistic traits to fit in with neurotypical norms can create a sense of inadequacy or not feeling good enough as one’s authentic self. Autistic women and men who mask may fear rejection or negative reactions from others if their true selves are revealed. This fear can contribute to a lowered sense of self-esteem and a need for validation from others.
Masking can reinforce negative beliefs about autism and contribute to internalised ableism, where autistic individuals may start to believe that there is something wrong with them. Autistic masking can further impact self-esteem and self-acceptance. It can also make it challenging for autistic individuals to express their true thoughts, feelings, and identities. This lack of self-expression can hinder the development of a strong sense of self and impact self-esteem.
Constantly measuring oneself against neurotypical standards in order to mask autistic traits can lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. This can negatively impact self-esteem and self-confidence. The mental health symptoms associated with masking can take a toll on well-being, further affecting self-esteem.
Emotional Exhaustion
Masking autistic traits involves constantly monitoring and adjusting one’s behaviour to fit social expectations. This process can be incredibly demanding and draining, leading to emotional exhaustion. The effort required to analyse social cues constantly, interpret others’ behaviour, and adjust one’s own responses can create a significant cognitive load. This can lead to mental fatigue and difficulty concentrating on other tasks.
Masking often involves suppressing natural behaviours, such as stimming or expressing emotions in a typical way. Also, the need to constantly be aware of and respond to social cues can create a state of hypervigilance, where the individual is always on high alert. Over time, the cumulative effect of masking can lead to emotional exhaustion, where the individual feels drained, overwhelmed, and unable to cope with the demands of social interactions.
Coping Strategies
Coping strategies for autistic masking can help individuals manage the challenges of navigating social situations while reducing the negative impact on their mental health. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:
- Developing self-awareness to recognise autistic masking
- Establishing boundaries in social interactions to recharge
- Connecting with an autistic community or a support groups that understand and accept one's autistic traits
- Developing communication strategies such as visual aids to reduce the need for masking
- Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety associated with masking
- Seeking support from mental health professionals, such as carers or therapists, to provide additional strategies for managing masking challenges
Individuals must find coping strategies that best suit their needs and prioritise mental health and well-being.
Promoting Inclusivity and Acceptance
It all starts with a thorough education on the unique challenges autistic people experience. At Leaf Complex Care, our organisational culture is based on proper education, awareness, and understanding of the differences in communication, sensory processing, and social interaction, which can lead to more empathetic and effective care.
How Do We Do It?
Adopting a person-centred approach that respects the individual’s autonomy, preferences, and unique needs speaks volumes in collaborating with the individual and their support network to develop a care plan that considers their specific challenges and strengths.
Our care teams are mindful of sensory sensitivities and provide a calming environment whenever possible. This may include reducing noise or providing sensory tools. We are always flexible in our approach and willing to adapt to the individual’s communication and sensory needs; we also recognise that what works for one person may not work for another and are open to trying new ways and strategies.
Our therapist team is aware of the potential for past trauma in autistic individuals. Therefore, they use PROACT-SCIPr and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to approach care with sensitivity and understanding by avoiding practices that may be triggering or re-traumatising. We have policies and practices that foster inclusivity and acceptance, stay informed about the latest research and best practices in supporting autistic individuals, and continually seek opportunities for professional development in this area.
Recognising and Valuing Neurodiversity
Recognising and valuing neurodiversity involves acknowledging neurological differences. This means understanding that autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other differences are natural variations of the human genome. By learning about how people’s brains work, we can better appreciate and respect the unique strengths and challenges that neurodivergent individuals bring.
Providing accommodations and support includes flexible work arrangements, sensory accommodations, or assistive technologies to help neurodivergent individuals thrive in their environments. It includes avoiding stigmatising language or attitudes, encouraging self-advocacy skills, and providing opportunities for autistic individuals to have a voice in decisions that affect them.
Importance of Addressing Mental Health Within The Autism Community
Between 70% and 80% of autistic individuals experience or have experienced mental health challenges at some point in their lives.
Many autistic individuals experience constant challenges with social skills and emotions. Addressing mental health can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve communication, and build stronger social connections while reducing the risk of crisis situations, including self-injurious behaviour or meltdowns.
Autism Support with Leaf Complex Care
Leaf Complex Care offers specialised support for autistic individuals, providing tailored care in the comfort of their own homes. Our approach centres on understanding and respecting each individual’s unique needs and preferences. We work closely with families and caregivers to develop personalised care plans that address the specific challenges and strengths of the individual.
We provide personalised care and crisis support, along with highly trained clinicians in PROACT SCIPr, Positive Behaviour Support and autism awareness. Our in-house therapist support, including PBS specialists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists, is free of charge.
To learn how we can support you, please contact us today or visit our Bristol, Slough, Birmingham and Somerset offices.
