What Is Autism Masking

Understanding Autism Masking

Autism masking, also known as camouflaging, is a complex phenomenon where autistic individuals consciously or unconsciously hide their traits to fit into societal norms. This often involves mimicking neurotypical behaviors, suppressing autistic tendencies, and controlling facial expressions and body language. Recognizing and understanding masking is vital for supporting the mental health and authentic self-expression of autistic people, as well as for improving diagnosis and societal acceptance.

Defining Autism Masking and Its Core Elements

What is autism masking and how is it defined?

Autism masking, often referred to as camouflaging, describes the behaviors, conscious or unconscious, that autistic individuals adopt to hide or diminish their characteristic traits. This strategy serves to help them blend into social environments and appear more neurotypical.

At its core, masking involves a variety of actions aimed at controlling outward expressions of autism. These include mimicking social norms, regulating facial expressions, maintaining eye contact despite discomfort, scripting or rehearsing conversations, and suppressing behaviors such as stimming—self-stimulatory actions like hand-flapping or rocking.

Many autistic people develop masking behaviors over time, especially in settings like school, work, or social gatherings. This occurs often as a response to societal pressures, stigma, or safety concerns, driven by the desire to be accepted, to avoid judgment or bullying, and to meet social expectations.

While masking can be effective in helping individuals gain social acceptance, it frequently leads to significant fatigue and mental health challenges. Autistic individuals might feel they are putting on a performance, which can result in emotional exhaustion, stress, anxiety, depression, and even identity loss—struggling to recognize and accept their true selves.

Understanding what autism masking entails highlights the importance of recognizing the often-hidden struggles of autistic individuals. It underscores the need for supportive environments that honor authenticity and reduce societal pressures that push individuals toward camouflaging. Supporting autistic people in expressing their authentic selves can improve mental well-being and reduce the adverse effects associated with prolonged masking.

Reasons behind Autism Masking

What are the reasons why autistic individuals engage in masking behaviors?

Autistic individuals often mask their traits for multiple reasons, most notably as a way to navigate social environments more effectively and to avoid negative experiences. A primary motivation is the desire for social acceptance. Many feel compelled to hide behaviors like stimming, intense interests, or communication difficulties to blend in with neurotypical peers.

Safety concerns also play a vital role. In contexts where autistic traits are misunderstood or stigmatized, masking helps individuals avoid discrimination, bullying, or social rejection. Feelings of vulnerability and fears of mistreatment motivate them to conceal their natural responses. This is especially true in environments such as schools, workplaces, or public spaces where society's expectations favor neurotypical behavior.

Beyond immediate social settings, the drive to succeed professionally and to form meaningful relationships acts as a significant incentive for masking. Many autistic individuals learn social scripts and develop behavioral adaptations to secure job opportunities, maintain employment, or build friendships and romantic partnerships.

Society's perceptions and stereotypes about autism substantially influence the tendency to mask. Common myths and misconceptions lead to societal biases, making it necessary for many to hide their authentic selves to avoid judgment. Discrimination and bullying further reinforce this masking behavior, creating a cycle where concealment is seen as the safest option.

Masking, while offering short-term benefits such as smoother social interactions and increased opportunities, requires considerable mental and physical effort. This relentless effort can lead to exhaustion, both emotionally and physically. Over time, it can cause loss of personal identity, heightened anxiety, depression, and burnout.

In sum, autistic masking is driven by a complex mix of societal pressures, safety concerns, and the pursuit of social and professional success. It is a coping mechanism designed to help autistic individuals function more comfortably within societal norms, but it also presents serious long-term mental health risks and can obscure their true selves.

Manifestations and Behaviors of Masking

What are the signs and behaviors associated with autism masking?

Autism masking often involves a range of behaviors that help individuals hide their differences and conform to societal expectations. One of the most common signs is mimicry of social behaviors. Autistic individuals may consciously or unconsciously adopt scripted phrases in conversations, rehearsing responses to feel more comfortable and socially accepted.

Many also engage in imitating body language and facial expressions typical of neurotypical peers. This mimicking can include adjusting posture, fake smiling, or making eye contact despite discomfort. Such behaviors are aimed at creating an impression of typical social engagement.

Another major aspect of masking involves the suppression of overt autistic behaviors, such as stimming—repetitive movements or sounds like hand-flapping, rocking, or vocalizations. People may hide or inhibit these behaviors because they are viewed as socially unacceptable or stigmatizing.

Sensory sensitivities are often concealed as well. Autistic individuals might endure sensory overload by suppressing reactions to loud noises, bright lights, or overwhelming textures, in order to avoid drawing attention or negative responses from others.

Managing body language and speech patterns is also typical. For example, maintaining an overly neutral or controlled facial expression, modulating tone of voice, and carefully pacing speech are strategies to seem more typical.

Signs like hiding special interests—rarely mentioning intense hobbies or passions—or overcompensating through excessive politeness and helpfulness are common indicators of masking. Additionally, some individuals might develop coping mechanisms such as creating social scripts for common questions or scenarios.

Social fatigue manifests as exhaustion after social interactions, often leading to emotional burnout. The effort to constantly monitor and adjust behaviors is draining, resulting in feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.

Overall, while masking can help improve immediate social acceptance, its ongoing practice can lead to significant mental health issues, including emotional exhaustion, identity confusion, and increased anxiety or depression.

The recognition of these signs is crucial, especially for clinicians and loved ones, to support early diagnosis and develop supportive strategies that allow autistic individuals to express their authentic selves without the toll of persistent masking.

Psychological and Emotional Impacts of Masking

What are the impacts of autism masking on mental health and well-being?

Autism masking, a strategy used by many autistic individuals to blend into neurotypical society, can have serious and lasting effects on mental and emotional health. While it may offer some short-term benefits like social acceptance or safety, the long-term consequences are often damaging.

One of the most immediate impacts of masking is mental and physical exhaustion. Constantly monitoring and controlling one's behavior, suppressing natural responses like stimming, and rehearsing social interactions require significant energy. Over time, this relentless effort can lead to burnout—a state of emotional, physical, and mental fatigue—making everyday functioning increasingly difficult.

Masking also raises the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The pressure to appear ‘normal’ and the disconnection from one's authentic self contribute to feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. Many autistic individuals experience heightened anxiety as they worry about being ‘found out’ or judged, while persistent masking can foster a sense of inauthenticity and identity confusion.

In some cases, prolonged masking has been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The emotional toll of constantly hiding true traits can lead to a deep sense of hopelessness and worthlessness. For many, the inability to express their genuine selves fosters social isolation and worsens mental health conditions.

Studies have shown that those who mask extensively tend to report higher levels of stress and lower self-esteem. The internal dissonance caused by the disparity between their true selves and the persona they project can erode self-acceptance. Additionally, masking complicates diagnosis, often leading to delayed recognition of autism, which in turn deprives individuals of targeted support and understanding.

While masking may temporarily help in social situations or at work, its long-term impact undermines emotional well-being. The effort to maintain this façade can prevent autistic people from forming genuine connections, impairing personal growth and sense of belonging.

Understanding these effects underscores the importance of fostering environments that accommodate neurodiversity, allowing individuals to feel safe and accepted without the need to mask. Supporting authentic expression and reducing stigma are critical steps toward improving mental health outcomes for autistic individuals.

How does masking affect mental health of autistic people?

Research indicates that extensive masking correlates with a higher incidence of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The act of hiding core traits and suppressing natural behaviors is taxing and often results in emotional burnout. Without opportunities for authentic interactions, many autistic individuals face ongoing struggles with their identity, leading to feelings of alienation and low self-acceptance. Recognizing the mental health toll of masking highlights the need for supportive environments that promote neurodiversity and authentic self-expression.

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Impact Area	Description	Long-Term Effects
Exhaustion & Burnout	Continuous effort to mask behaviors is energy-draining, leading to fatigue.	Increased risk of emotional and physical burnout, requiring recovery periods.
Anxiety & Depression	Cognitive dissonance and social pressure cause persistent anxiety and sadness.	Elevated rates of mental health diagnoses, including clinical depression.
Loss of Self	Authentic traits are suppressed, leading to identity confusion.	Difficulty developing a consistent self-identity and lower self-esteem.
Delayed Diagnosis	Masking hides traits, making autism less observable.	Missed or late diagnosis deprives individuals of tailored support.

Understanding the cumulative effect of masking helps in developing better support systems for autistic people, emphasizing acceptance and genuine inclusion rather than concealment.

Impact on Daily Life and Self-Identity

How does masking affect the daily life and self-identity of autistic individuals?

Masking is a complex behavior that many autistic individuals engage in daily, often at significant personal cost. It involves a persistent effort to hide or suppress authentic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to conform to societal standards of neurotypical behavior. This ongoing process can be exhausting, both mentally and physically, as it requires constant self-monitoring and self-control to avoid revealing autistic traits.

The toll of continual masking can lead to emotional burnout and a profound sense of disconnection from one's true self. Many report feeling like they are playing a role rather than living authentically. This dissonance can cause feelings of inauthenticity, where individuals feel they are not truly themselves.

Social relationships often suffer because individuals may withhold their genuine interests, preferences, or expressions of sensory sensitivities, making it difficult to form deep, meaningful connections. The fear of judgment or rejection can prevent honest interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation.

Over time, the persistent suppression of true identity can result in confusion about who they really are. Many experience identity crises, grief, or a sense of loss for their authentic self, which can contribute to depression and anxiety.

Despite these challenges, some individuals develop coping strategies and find ways to gradually unmask in safe environments. Creating society-wide acceptance of neurodiversity and fostering environments that validate authentic expression are essential steps toward alleviating these impacts.

Addressing the effects of masking is crucial for improving the overall well-being of autistic individuals, helping them develop a more positive self-view and healthier social connections.

Scientific Perspectives and Measurement of Masking

How can autism masking be measured or identified from a clinical or scientific perspective?

Autism masking is a complex behavior that can be challenging to quantify, but several tools and methods have been developed to assess its presence and extent. One of the most prominent instruments is the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), a self-report measure specifically designed to evaluate social camouflaging behaviors in autistic individuals.

The CAT-Q consists of 25 items that are divided into three subcategories: Compensation, Masking, and Assimilation. It asks participants to reflect on their behaviors across different social situations, such as mimicking others, rehearsing conversations, hiding interests, or suppressing stimming behaviors. Respondents rate how frequently they engage in these behaviors, providing scores that indicate the level of camouflaging activity.

This questionnaire has demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, making it a valuable tool in both research and clinical settings. Higher scores typically suggest a greater tendency to mask outwardly, often correlating with increased social anxiety and mental health challenges.

Beyond self-report questionnaires, researchers employ discrepancy methods. These involve comparing an individual's self-perceived autistic traits with their observed behaviors during social interactions or assessments. For example, a person might report few autistic traits, but behavioral observations during structured tasks reveal significant traits, indicating potential masking.

Behavioral observations in clinical settings also contribute to understanding masking. Clinicians look for signs such as rehearsed speech, overly controlled facial expressions, or mimicked gestures. Combining these observations with self-report measures enriches the assessment.

However, measuring masking faces several challenges. Since masking can be unconscious or highly context-dependent, some individuals may not recognize their own behaviors. Additionally, cultural norms influence what is considered acceptable or noticeable, complicating assessments across diverse populations.

Overall, an integrated approach that utilizes self-report questionnaires like the CAT-Q, behavioral observations, and discrepancy analysis offers a comprehensive way to identify and understand autism masking scientifically. Although no perfect tool exists, these methods collectively improve early detection, especially in adults and females who are more likely to mask their traits.

Gender Differences in Masking, Particularly in Women and Girls

How does autism masking differ across genders, especially in women and girls?

Autism masking, often called camouflaging, shows notable differences between genders, with women and girls typically engaging in more frequent and intense masking behaviors than their male counterparts. Research reveals that many females with ASD actively hide or compensate for their autistic traits to conform to societal expectations of femininity and social norms.

Women and girls are more likely to adopt techniques such as mimicking social behaviors, rehearsing conversations, and hiding their interests or sensory sensitivities to avoid social rejection or judgment. These masking strategies help them appear more neurotypical, which can make their autism less visible to others.

This heightened tendency to mask results in several issues. It frequently leads to underdiagnosis or late diagnosis, as their behaviors do not align with traditional, male-centric diagnostic criteria. Consequently, many girls and women grow up unaware of their autism, often experiencing significant emotional stress and burnout from constantly performing social roles.

The emotional toll of this extensive masking can include increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and a higher risk of suicidal ideation. The pressure to maintain a facade can also cause a loss of authentic self, further complicating mental health.

Recognizing these gender-related differences emphasizes the importance of developing diagnostic tools sensitive to females’ behavioral presentation. It also underscores the necessity for tailored support strategies that address the specific challenges faced by women and girls with autism.

Understanding how masking varies by gender is crucial for improving early detection, providing more effective interventions, and fostering environments that accommodate neurodiversity without requiring individuals to hide their true selves.

Supporting and Unmasking: Strategies and Approaches

What coping strategies exist to support individuals who mask autism?

Supporting autistic individuals who engage in masking involves implementing a range of strategies that promote self-awareness, mental well-being, and a sense of authenticity. One fundamental approach is fostering open dialogue about autism, which helps individuals understand their behaviors and develop self-acceptance. Encouraging self-reflection allows them to recognize their masking tendencies and consider gradual steps toward revealing their true selves.

Creating safe and supportive environments is crucial. Such spaces validate autism and actively reduce societal stigma, enabling individuals to feel more comfortable expressing their authentic identities. This can include inclusive workplaces, schools, and community groups that prioritize understanding, flexibility, and accommodations tailored to individual needs.

Mental health support plays a vital role. Access to therapists experienced in autism can address emotional exhaustion stemming from masking and provide tools like social skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and self-care techniques. These resources help mitigate risks of anxiety, depression, and burnout, reinforcing resilience.

Gradual unmasking is often beneficial. Step-by-step exposure to social situations, supported by visual aids or social stories, can build confidence and decrease reliance on masking behaviors. This process respects each individual's comfort level and readiness, fostering a sense of control.

Finally, community-driven efforts that promote understanding and acceptance are essential. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can dispel misconceptions about autism, emphasize neurodiversity, and highlight the importance of embracing differences rather than forcing conformity. Such initiatives empower autistic individuals by affirming their identities and reducing the societal pressures that often necessitate masking.

How can creating supportive environments reduce masking and encourage authenticity?

Supportive settings that understand and accommodate autism significantly diminish the need for masking. When society recognizes autistic traits as natural variations rather than deficits, individuals feel less compelled to hide their behaviors. This validation fosters trust and openness, which can lead to healthier social interactions and deeper connections.

In workplaces and educational institutions, implementing policies that acknowledge sensory sensitivities, provide quiet spaces, and allow alternative communication methods can make a substantial difference. These accommodations signal acceptance and reduce stress, making it easier for autistic people to be themselves.

Moreover, fostering peer support groups and community networks enables shared experiences and mutual understanding. Such connections reinforce that they are not alone, providing emotional sustenance and encouragement.

Educational programs aimed at teachers, employers, and the general public can challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. When societal attitudes shift toward acceptance, autistic individuals are less likely to feel the need to mask to meet social norms or avoid negative responses.

The importance of mental health support, therapy, and social skills training

Autistic masking often results in emotional fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Addressing these issues requires targeted mental health support. Therapeutic interventions such as counseling can help individuals process feelings of inauthenticity and develop strategies to cope with societal pressures.

Social skills training offers practical tools for navigating complex social situations, gradually reducing anxiety associated with social interactions. It can include modeling appropriate behaviors, role-playing, and using visual aids to enhance understanding.

Support from mental health professionals trained in neurodiversity ensures that interventions are respectful and tailored. These supports can empower individuals to unmask at their own pace while building resilience.

Gradual unmasking strategies and the potential benefits of authentic self-expression

Unmasking is a personal journey that benefits significantly from a step-by-step approach. Starting with small, manageable disclosures to trusted friends or family creates a foundation of safety.

Practicing genuine self-expression in familiar or accepting environments can alleviate the internal conflict experienced during masking. Activities like creative arts, hobbies, or participation in autism-friendly groups provide opportunities for authentic engagement.

As confidence grows, individuals may choose to share more of their true selves, leading to richer social connections and improved mental health. Embracing authenticity fosters a positive sense of self, diminishes stress, and reduces the long-term impact of masking, such as burnout and identity confusion.

In culmination, these strategies—centered on self-awareness, community support, professional help, and gradual change—work together to promote well-being and authenticity. Supporting autistic individuals in unmasking, at their own pace, is vital for fostering respect, understanding, and genuine inclusion in society.

Prevalence, Psychological Implications, and Societal Impact of Masking

What is known about the prevalence and psychological implications of autism masking?

Autism masking, also called camouflaging, is a common behavior among individuals on the autism spectrum. Studies suggest that it is especially prevalent among women and girls, who often mask their traits more than males, contributing to frequent underdiagnosis in females. Many high-functioning autistic adults, adolescents, and those with higher self-reported autistic traits actively engage in masking behaviors.

Masking involves various strategies such as mimicking neurotypical social cues, suppressing stimming behaviors, scripting conversations, and studying body language to blend in better in social settings. This process is often unconscious but can also be deliberate as a coping mechanism to gain acceptance, succeed in employment, or avoid stigma.

The motivations for masking include the desire to escape judgment, prevent mistreatment, and increase social and professional opportunities. While masking can temporarily improve social acceptance and confidence, it comes with significant long-term mental health costs. Autistic individuals who mask frequently report heightened levels of anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and burnout.

Psychological consequences are serious. Many experience emotional fatigue or shutdowns, which can lead to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. The persistent effort to hide autistic traits impacts self-perception, potentially leading to a loss of authentic identity. Some may develop suicidal ideation linked to the feelings of inauthenticity and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged masking.

Neuroimaging studies reveal that camouflaging correlates with particular patterns of brain activation and structural differences, especially in regions involved in social cognition. The extent of masking behaviors can be measured through questionnaires like the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), which assesses compensation, masking, and assimilation strategies.

Overall, research underscores that masking is widespread among autistic populations, with its psychological toll being profound. Though it may serve as a social survival tactic, its long-term effects include increasing vulnerability to mental health issues, complicating diagnosis, and hindering genuine self-expression.

How societal stigma and cultural factors influence masking behaviors?

Societal attitudes and cultural expectations significantly influence the prevalence and intensity of masking among autistic people. In cultures where neurodiversity is misunderstood or stigmatized, individuals may feel greater pressure to mask their traits.

Fear of discrimination, bullying, and ostracism compels many to hide their authentic selves. Girls and women often bear the brunt of societal expectations to appear socially adept, which leads to more frequent and intense masking effort compared to their male counterparts.

Historically, diagnostic criteria and societal stereotypes have focused on overt behaviors, making it harder to recognize autism in females and culturally diverse populations. As a result, many individuals grow up unaware of their autism, complicating early intervention and support.

Cultural norms about gender roles, communication styles, and emotional expression also shape masking approaches. For example, in cultures emphasizing social harmony and conformity, masking behaviors may be more pervasive to avoid conflict or social disapproval.

These social pressures contribute to a cycle where autistic traits become invisible, but at a cost: increased emotional strain, mental health risks, and delayed diagnosis. Recognizing this, many advocates emphasize the need for cultural competence and societal acceptance of neurodiverse expressions.

The importance of awareness and acceptance initiatives

Promoting awareness about autism masking is crucial in fostering understanding and acceptance. Education campaigns can help destigmatize neurodiverse behaviors, encouraging autistic individuals to express their true selves without fear.

Creating supportive environments entails educating teachers, employers, and the general public on the diversity of autistic expression. This can reduce societal pressures to mask and increase acceptance of differences.

Encouraging self-awareness and self-compassion among autistic individuals can help them recognize their masking tendencies and explore unmasking in safe settings. Support groups, therapy, and community programs can bolster self-acceptance and mental well-being.

Research initiatives and the development of assessment tools like the CAT-Q aid in quantifying masking behaviors, highlighting its prevalence, and guiding targeted interventions.

Ultimately, shifting societal norms towards inclusivity will lessen the necessity of masking, improving mental health outcomes and supporting authentic self-expression for autistic people. Initiatives that promote neurodiversity acceptance and educate about the merits of diverse ways of thinking and behaving are vital for long-term societal change.

Societal and Cultural Dimensions of Masking

How do societal expectations and stereotypes influence masking behaviors?

Societal expectations play a significant role in shaping why and how autistic individuals engage in masking. Cultural norms often define what is considered acceptable social behavior, and when autistic traits are viewed as undesirable or deviant, many individuals instinctively learn to hide these traits to avoid negative judgment.

For example, high-functioning autistic individuals and women are more likely to mask their behaviors, partly because societal stereotypes associate autism with male traits or severe impairments. Women and girls, in particular, learn to imitate neurotypical social behaviors to fit in, such as maintaining eye contact, using scripted language, or suppressing stimming behaviors. These adaptations are driven by the desire for social acceptance, employment opportunities, and to prevent bullying or marginalization.

Masking behaviors are often reinforced by stereotypes perpetuated through media, education, and social interactions, which portray neurotypical behaviors as the norm. Consequently, individuals internalize these expectations and invest considerable effort to conform, even at significant personal cost.

What role do culture, stigma, and family dynamics play in masking?

Cultural beliefs and stigma deeply influence masking practices among autistic people. In communities where autism is misunderstood or viewed negatively, families may conceal diagnoses to protect their members from shame or discrimination. For instance, in certain cultures like the Korean-American community, autism may be associated with family failure, curses, or shame, leading parents to hide their child's condition and discourage open discussion.

This concealment can delay diagnosis and access to support, as families prioritize social reputation over early intervention. Such cultural stigmas create a environment where masking becomes a survival strategy, with individuals suppressing their traits to maintain family honor or social standing.

Family dynamics and social upbringing also impact masking. In environments where expressing discomfort or difference is frowned upon, children quickly learn to mask their needs to avoid conflict or punishment. Over time, this habitual masking can become ingrained, making it harder for individuals to recognize their authentic self.

Supported by a family and community that undervalues neurodiversity, autistic individuals are more likely to develop sophisticated masking techniques, which can further entrench feelings of disconnection or emotional exhaustion.

How does masking impact community perceptions and human rights?

Masking significantly influences how autism is perceived within communities. When more individuals mask their traits successfully, it can perpetuate the misconception that autism is rare, severe, or only evident in individuals who cannot blend in. This misunderstanding can hinder the development of inclusive policies and accommodations.

Furthermore, widespread masking can obscure the true scale of autism, leading to underdiagnosis and insufficient resource allocation. It can also contribute to societal biases that expect autistic individuals to be ‘normal,’ thus delaying their access to necessary support and accommodations.

From a human rights perspective, masking raises serious concerns regarding authenticity, autonomy, and safety. When individuals feel compelled to conceal their identity, their right to express themselves freely is compromised. Additionally, prolonged masking can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and may even push some towards suicidal ideation.

Advocates emphasize the importance of fostering a societal environment where neurodiversity is accepted and celebrated. Creating awareness and challenging stereotypes are crucial steps towards reducing the need for masking. Recognizing and respecting authentic identities supports fundamental human rights, including dignity, freedom of expression, and equal participation in society.

Aspect	Influence	Broader Implications
Societal Expectations	Reinforces masking as a necessity	Perpetuates misunderstandings about autism, delays diagnosis
Cultural Stigma	Leads to concealment within families	Hinders early support, increases mental health risks
Community Perceptions	Shapes societal response	Affects policy, resource distribution, social inclusion
Human Rights	Impacts personal authenticity	Limits self-expression, affects mental and emotional well-being

Understanding these cultural and societal factors underscores the importance of promoting acceptance, reducing stigma, and fostering an environment where autistic individuals can live authentically without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Towards Acceptance and Authenticity

Understanding autism masking is crucial for fostering an environment where autistic individuals can express their true selves without fear of judgment or discrimination. While masking may offer short-term coping benefits, its long-term impacts on mental health highlight the urgent need to challenge societal norms and reduce stigma. Supporting unmasking efforts through awareness, acceptance, and tailored interventions can promote authenticity, improve mental well-being, and lay the foundation for a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity.

References

• Masking - National Autistic Society
• Autism Masking Is Common. Here's How To Recognize And Offer ...
• Autistic masking - Wikipedia
• Autistic people and masking - National Autistic Society
• What is Masking in Autism? Autistic Masking Explained
• “Masking Is Life”: Experiences of Masking in Autistic and Nonautistic ...
• Masking when you're autistic | Autism Space
• Understanding Autism Masking and Its Consequences - Healthline
• Camouflage and masking behavior in adult autism - PMC
• What are the main signs of autism masking in women?