The lost Autistic people who Mask to Socially Survive

What is Masking?

Masking refers to the behaviour of individuals with autism that consciously or unconsciously copy social behaviours to be socially included. This can involve mimicking facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and other social cues that may not come naturally to autistic individuals.

A coping mechanism allows individuals with autism to navigate social situations more smoothly. This can reduce social anxiety and avoid negative judgment or rejection.

Girls can be more socially aware, so they learn to copy appropriate social behaviour. This may be a reason why more boys are diagnosed with autism compared to girls.

Masking may help individuals with autism navigate social interactions, but it can become mentally and emotionally taxing. The effort to constantly monitor and imitate social behaviours may lead to fatigue and stress. Many children who hide their autistic characteristics don't get the support they need. 

I knew my child was hiding autistic behaviour that enabled him to de-compress when he was feeling sensory overloaded, but the school did not believe me. He worked hard to manage himself in class so the other children would not laugh at him, but he wasn't coping inside.

Mental Health Concerns of Masking

People who have to hide their actual behaviour and constantly monitor their actions will feel on edge.  There are some significant effects on a person's mental health, both short-term and long-term:

Increased Stress and Anxiety

 Masking requires constant effort and vigilance to monitor and imitate social behaviours that may not come naturally. This effort can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, as individuals may worry about making mistakes or being "found out."

Mental Fatigue

The cognitive load of constantly monitoring and adjusting behaviour can be mentally exhausting. Individuals who 'mask' their behaviour experience fatigue, affecting their overall well-being as they cannot relax and be themselves.

Feeling Isolated

Masking may lead to isolation, as individuals may feel they are not truly understood. Maintaining a facade can create a barrier to forming genuine connections with others, leading to a lonely life.

Impact on Self-Esteem

Constantly masking one's authentic self can contribute to diminished self-esteem. Individuals may feel they need to hide certain aspects of their identity to be accepted.

Autistic Burnout

 Over time, the effort to mask can contribute to autistic burnout. Individuals find it challenging to sustain the level of social mimicry required, leading to exhaustion and a potential decline in mental health. Increasing anxiety takes its toll on other things in their life, such as school work and progress in their job.

Delayed diagnosis and Support

Masking can sometimes make it more difficult for others, including professionals, to recognise the signs of autism. This can result in a delayed diagnosis and a lack of appropriate support and accommodations.

Masking creates a mismatch between inside feels and outer image

Masking can create a significant disconnect between an individual's internal experience and how they present themselves externally.

It's essential to recognise the impact of masking on mental health and work. We need to create environments that foster acceptance and understanding.