Autistic masking refers to the practice of concealing or suppressing one’s natural behaviors, traits, and emotions to fit into societal expectations. This coping mechanism, often learned at a young age, is a response to societal pressures to conform to social norms. While masking can help individuals navigate social situations, it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for those on the autism spectrum.
In this blog post, we will explore what autistic masking is, why it occurs, and the impact it has on individuals with autism. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for supporting those who mask their autism, enabling them to express their true selves more comfortably.
What is Autistic Masking?
Autistic masking is the conscious or unconscious act of hiding or altering certain behaviors, communication styles, and emotional responses that are associated with autism. Individuals with autism may mask their symptoms to fit in with social norms, avoid judgment, or simply cope with the overwhelming social expectations placed on them.
While masking may allow individuals to blend in with their peers in social settings, it often comes at a significant personal cost. Over time, the energy required to mask one’s true self can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Masking is particularly common among individuals who are more verbal or socially aware but can affect anyone on the autism spectrum, regardless of their level of functioning.
Why Does Autistic Masking Occur?
Autistic masking occurs for several reasons, often driven by the pressures and expectations of the individuals’ environments. Here are some common reasons why autistic masking happens:
1. Social Expectations
Society has certain expectations when it comes to behavior, communication, and social interaction. These expectations may include making eye contact, engaging in small talk, and understanding unspoken social cues. Individuals with autism may mask their behaviors to meet these social expectations, even if they don’t naturally align with their neurodivergent tendencies.
2. Desire to Fit In
One of the most common reasons for masking is the desire to fit in with peers. People, especially children and adolescents, want to be accepted and avoid standing out in social situations. Masking allows individuals to mimic socially acceptable behaviors and avoid exclusion or bullying.
3. Avoiding Judgment or Criticism
Autistic individuals often face misunderstanding, judgment, or criticism when their behaviors deviate from societal norms. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or self-consciousness. Masking becomes a way to avoid negative attention and protect oneself from the social consequences of being perceived as different.
4. Coping with Sensory Overload
Autistic individuals are often sensitive to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces. Masking may also involve suppressing visible signs of distress, such as stimming (repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking), to avoid drawing attention to sensory sensitivities in public.
5. External Pressure from Family or Teachers
In some cases, family members, teachers, or other authority figures may unknowingly encourage masking by insisting that the individual conform to conventional social behaviors. These well-meaning but misguided pressures can lead to the development of masking habits.
The Impact of Autistic Masking
While masking may allow individuals to function in social situations, it can have long-term emotional, physical, and psychological consequences. The strain of constantly pretending to be someone else can be overwhelming, and the effects of masking can significantly impact an individual’s well-being.
1. Emotional Exhaustion
Masking requires a great deal of mental and emotional energy. Constantly suppressing natural behaviors and forcing oneself to adhere to social expectations can lead to burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, this exhaustion can become overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration and a sense of disconnection from one’s true self.
2. Increased Anxiety and Depression
The pressure to mask can result in heightened anxiety and depression. The fear of being discovered or judged for not fitting in can cause individuals to become increasingly self-conscious. This anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, such as avoiding social situations, withdrawing from others, or experiencing a general sense of social isolation.
3. Loss of Identity
When individuals mask their true selves for an extended period, they may begin to lose touch with their authentic identity. Masking can create a dissonance between how a person feels inside and how they present themselves to the world. This disconnect can lead to confusion and a lack of self-understanding.
4. Difficulty with Self-Advocacy
Individuals who mask may find it difficult to advocate for their own needs. They may have learned to suppress their sensory sensitivities, social struggles, or emotional difficulties, making it harder to communicate their challenges to others. As a result, they may go without the support they need.
5. Social Isolation
Although masking may help individuals fit in temporarily, it often leads to a lack of genuine connection with others. The act of hiding one’s true self can create a barrier to forming authentic relationships. Over time, this social isolation can become more pronounced, as individuals feel misunderstood or disconnected from their peers.
Signs of Autistic Masking
It can be difficult to recognize when someone is masking, especially if they have developed sophisticated coping mechanisms. However, there are several signs that may indicate masking is taking place:
- Limited emotional expression: The person may suppress or hide their natural emotional reactions in social situations.
- Overcompensating in social interactions: Masking individuals may try excessively hard to fit in, such as over-apologizing, engaging in forced conversation, or mimicking others’ body language.
- Delayed emotional reactions: Masked emotions may be delayed or expressed in a way that seems out of sync with the situation.
- Increased stress or meltdowns in private: Individuals may “hold it together” in public but experience stress, anxiety, or emotional outbursts when they are alone.
- Difficulty with self-awareness: Some individuals may struggle to identify when they are masking or how it affects them emotionally and physically.
Strategies for Supporting Autistic Masking
Although autistic masking is a natural response to societal expectations, there are strategies that can help individuals reduce the need to mask and find comfort in expressing their true selves.
1. Creating an Accepting Environment
One of the most important ways to reduce masking is by creating an environment where individuals feel accepted and valued for who they are. Encouraging open communication and celebrating neurodiversity can help individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment.
2. Encouraging Self-Advocacy
Helping individuals develop self-advocacy skills can be empowering. By teaching them how to identify and express their needs, preferences, and challenges, they can learn to seek support when necessary and advocate for themselves in different environments.
3. Providing a Safe Space for Expression
Allowing individuals to take breaks in sensory-friendly spaces or engage in stimming behaviors when needed can help them release built-up stress. These spaces provide a calming environment where individuals can regulate their emotions without fear of judgment.
4. Supporting Emotional Regulation
Helping individuals develop emotional regulation techniques, such as mindfulness exercises or deep breathing, can be instrumental in reducing the stress that leads to masking. Providing tools for managing anxiety and emotions can enable individuals to feel more comfortable in social situations.
5. Promoting Authentic Social Connections
Encouraging authentic, low-pressure social connections is crucial for individuals who mask. Creating opportunities for meaningful interactions with others who understand and accept their neurodivergence can help individuals feel more comfortable being themselves.
6. ABA Therapy for Masking Behaviors
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be helpful in addressing masking behaviors. Through ABA, individuals can learn strategies for self-expression and develop more comfortable ways to navigate social situations without the need for masking. ABA therapists work with individuals to build confidence, improve communication skills, and reduce anxiety around social interactions.
Conclusion
Autistic masking is a complex phenomenon that occurs when individuals with autism suppress their natural behaviors to conform to social expectations. While masking may help individuals navigate social situations, it can have significant emotional and psychological consequences. By understanding the reasons behind masking and the impact it has on individuals, we can better support those on the autism spectrum. With the right environment, strategies, and interventions, individuals can learn to express their authentic selves with confidence.
At Move Up ABA, we specialize in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, including those who mask their behaviors. Through personalized ABA therapy, we help individuals reduce the need for masking and foster self-expression. If you or someone you know struggles with masking behaviors, our team is here to provide the support and guidance needed to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between autistic masking and pretending to be “normal”?
Autistic masking involves suppressing natural behaviors to fit in with social expectations, whereas pretending to be “normal” often refers to consciously imitating behaviors in an attempt to blend in. Both masking and pretending involve adapting to social norms, but masking is often an unconscious or automatic response to social pressures.
2. How can I help my child reduce the need for masking?
Create a supportive and accepting environment where your child feels safe to express themselves. Encourage self-advocacy, provide emotional regulation tools, and allow for sensory breaks when needed. ABA therapy can also help your child develop more comfortable ways to interact in social settings.
3. Can autistic masking lead to mental health issues?
Yes, the strain of constant masking can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. The emotional toll of suppressing one’s true self can result in feelings of isolation, stress, and burnout. Reducing the need for masking and promoting self-expression can help improve mental well-being.
Resources:
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking
- https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/autism-masking
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-masking-in-mental-health-6944532
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/64951690
