Coping Strategies
6 terms
Camouflaging
Another term for masking—hiding or altering autistic traits to meet expectations.
Demand Avoidance (contextualized)
Strong avoidance of demands, often increasing with perceived loss of autonomy, novelty, or uncertainty.
Masking
Consciously or unconsciously hiding one's neurodivergent traits to fit in with neurotypical expectations.
Overfunctioning / Underfunctioning
Two common responses to stress: doing "too much" (taking on everything, over‑controlling) or "shutting down" (reduced capacity, withdrawal).
Pacing
Balancing activity and rest to avoid overwhelm, burnout, or crashes.
Unmasking
The process of reducing masking behaviors and living more authentically.