Masking in autism refers to the process by which autistic individuals consciously or unconsciously hide or suppress their natural autistic traits and behaviors to appear more neurotypical, meaning more like people who are not autistic. This behavior often develops as a coping mechanism to fit in socially, avoid stigma, or reduce negative attention from others. Masking can involve imitating social behaviors, forcing eye contact, mimicking facial expressions, using scripted conversations, hiding special interests, or changing one’s appearance to blend in with peers.
Many autistic people, especially girls and women, engage in masking from an early age, sometimes without realizing they are doing it. This is partly because social pressures to conform are strong, and the desire to be accepted can motivate individuals to adapt their outward behavior. Masking helps them navigate social situations that might otherwise feel confusing or overwhelming, but it requires a significant amount of mental effort and energy.
The behaviors involved in masking can include:
– **Mirroring others’ facial expressions and body language** to appear more socially engaged.
– **Forcing eye contact**, even if it feels uncomfortable or unnatural.
– **Using rehearsed or scripted phrases** in conversations to avoid awkward silences or social mistakes.
– **Concealing intense interests or repetitive behaviors** that might be seen as unusual.
– **Adopting typical dress styles or mannerisms** to avoid standing out.
While masking can help autistic individuals avoid immediate social difficulties, it often comes at a cost. Because masking requires constant self-monitoring and suppression of natural responses, it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Many autistic people who mask report feeling like they are “performing” or “acting” all the time, which can be mentally draining. This ongoing effort to hide one’s true self can also delay diagnosis, especially in females, because their autism may be less obvious to clinicians and educators.
Masking is linked to worse mental health outcomes because it prevents autistic people from receiving the understanding and support they need. When autistic traits are hidden, others may not recognize the challenges the person faces, leading to misunderstandings and lack of accommodations. Additionally, the internal conflict between one’s authentic self and the masked persona can cause feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
Social situations can be particularly exhausting for those who mask. They often have to constantly scan for social cues, time their responses carefully, and rehearse interactions mentally while trying to follow conversations in real time. This “backstage production” happening in the mind takes a lot of cognitive resources, making socializing tiring and sometimes leading to burnout.
Masking is not a behavior exclusive to autism, but it is especially common and impactful within the autistic community. It is important to recognize that masking is a survival strategy rather than a choice made lightly. Understanding masking helps explain why some autistic people, particularly girls and adults, may not receive an autism diagnosis until later in life, as their outward behavior can appear typical despite internal struggles.
In essence, masking is a complex, often invisible layer of behavior that autistic individuals use to navigate a world that is not always accommodating to neurodiversity. It reflects both the resilience of autistic people and the challenges they face in being accepted for who they truly are.
