What Is Masking in Autism?
Autistic masking is hiding personal traits to conform to societal norms. Individuals with autism often engage in masking, which involves constantly hiding and concealing their true identity and unique characteristics.
Masking entails conscious or subconscious efforts to hide or suppress autistic traits that provide comfort but may be seen by society as unconventional or ‘unusual. It also involves mirroring or acting like other people around us, imitating social cues and developing various social scripts and social behaviours that allow people to communicate in different social situations. Masking is also motivated by the idea of conforming to widely accepted societal norms that are often associated with being “different.”
As we learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, inclusion and empowerment, we can see that by embracing the differences in people, we can all thrive across all areas of life. Only together, we can embrace diversity and contribute to making our communities a better place to live.
Effects of Masking
The effects of masking are different for everyone. Often, people on the autism spectrum who engage in masking present multiple indicators of depression and anxiety due to hiding autistic traits. Feeling pressured to conform to societal norms can be exhausting and prevent you from living as you truly want.
Masking can impact the development of children on the autism spectrum, and for autistic adults, it can leave them with no energy and time to pursue their goals, desires and aspirations. While an autistic person might mask to fit in with society, individuals are often still critically evaluated by neurotypicals who are unaware of their diagnosis and their masking.
We need to create an environment that embraces the differences in people and promotes diversity. That is why, at Unique Community Services, we provide proactive, nurse-led support for people with autism, and we aim to create positive outcomes and improve people’s well-being.
Is Autism Masking Good or Bad?
Masking takes a lot of effort and energy, which can be exhausting and lead to “autistic burnout.” As time passes, masking negatively impacts autistic people and their sense of self and their true belonging, ultimately affecting their mental health.
Masking has adverse effects on people with an autism diagnosis and contributes to having high levels of anxiety, stress and depression. Suppressing natural behaviours is unhealthy for everyone and severely impacts our emotional and mental well-being. Moreover, it leads to a decreased quality of life and loss of self.
Anxiety
Anxiety and masking are closely correlated, and understanding this relationship is essential to supporting autistic people.
As mentioned, masking takes a lot of effort and time, contributing to anxiety. Constantly suppressing natural behaviours and consistently trying to “fit in” creates a sense of unease and stress. The stress leads to increased levels of anxiety and manifests in various ways, leading to developing an anxiety disorder, panic attacks and further pressure to mask autistic behaviors, which becomes overwhelming.
It is essential to learn that masking autism is not a sign of weakness. Understanding the relationship between masking and anxiety can create an inclusive environment that embraces acceptance and supports people’s well-being. Being understanding can help autistic people feel safe to be their authentic selves and can help reduce societal pressure and promote a sense of acceptance and belonging.
Depression
Having to constantly hide your feelings, emotions, and behaviours can lead to intense feelings of disconnection and isolation. As a result, autistic people experience higher chances of developing depression. Depression leads to deteriorating mental well-being, lack of sleep and other mental health difficulties. The effects of autistic masking can be significant, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.
Autism Masking Symptoms
Everyone’s journey is unique, and it is essential to be understanding and supportive when learning about different ways of social communication. For instance, some autistic adults may display similar symptoms but may not engage in masking, which is why being understanding is vital.
Recognising the symptoms of masking is crucial in providing tailored support. Some of the signs include:
- Sensory discomfort
- Suppressing stimming behaviours
- Social camouflage
- Mirror other people’s reactions, expressions and behaviours
- Preparing responses to comments
- Imitating gestures
- Emotional dysregulation
Autism Masking Examples
Some of the most common examples of autism masking include:
- Imitating facial expressions, eye contact and gestures of others in various social situations
- Preparing scripted responses to questions and rehearsing to navigate social interactions
- Performing some gestures and actions that don’t come naturally to the situation
- Suppressing ticks or stimming behaviour by moving aside, hiding and avoiding communicating to avoid judgement
- Emotional withdrawal and isolation after prolonged social interactions
Coping Advice
People use various coping mechanisms and strategies, whether that coping strategy is to reduce the negative effects of masking or working on embracing and accepting their uniqueness. Some of these strategies include:
- Self-acceptance and awareness
By understanding masking tendencies and learning about their negative effects on people’s self-esteem and well-being, people begin their journey towards acceptance and often engage in self-reflection and seek support.
- Developing a supportive network of family and friends
Being surrounded by supportive, understanding and loving friends and family members can create meaningful relationships and safe spaces for people with autism to feel comfortable being who they are without fearing rejection and judgment.
Outcome-Based Approach and Humanised Care with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we provide proactive support for autistic people and focus on outcome-based solutions, such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Together, we work on developing an accepting community for everyone.
Our clinicians are dedicated to recognising and fostering the unique traits and strengths of the people we serve. By promoting neurodiversity and an understanding environment, we create inclusive spaces for everyone, encouraging authenticity and a sense of belonging.
We provide support across the UK, and our offices are in Manchester and Bristol.
Contact us today to find out how we can provide transformative support.
