Masking/MASK-ing/

Masking involves suppressing, hiding, or overcompensating for neurodivergent traits to blend into neurotypical environments. Often used interchangeably with "camouflaging," masking typically emphasizes the performative aspect.

Common masking behaviors include:

• Forcing eye contact despite discomfort or pain
• Suppressing stims or converting them to less visible ones
• Mimicking others' social behaviors and expressions
• Creating scripts for everyday interactions
• Hiding special interests or enthusiasm
• Copying neurotypical body language

Masking often begins in childhood as a response to correction, bullying, or rejection. While it can provide short-term safety and social access, long-term masking is associated with burnout, mental health issues, and loss of identity.

Everyday Life Examples

School: Emma practices facial expressions in the bathroom mirror, forces herself to make eye contact with teachers despite the burning sensation, and memorizes popular TV shows to have "normal" conversation topics.

Work: James has a spreadsheet of appropriate responses for workplace small talk, suppresses his need to rock when stressed, and exhausts himself maintaining "professional" body language all day.

Social: Alex studies their friends' reactions to copy them, hides their excitement about their special interest, and comes home so drained they can't speak for hours.

Practical Strategies

Reducing masking necessity:

• Seek neurodivergent-affirming spaces
• Build relationships where you can unmask
• Set boundaries around social demands
• Work/study remotely when possible

Safer unmasking process:

• Start small with trusted people
• Practice one unmasked behavior at a time
• Have scripts ready for questions
• Build in recovery time after unmasking

When masking is necessary:

• Use "minimal viable masking" (just enough for safety)
• Set time limits when possible
• Schedule recovery time immediately after
• Remember: survival isn't weakness

Quick Tips

• Today: Notice one mask you wear and question if it's necessary
• This week: Find one person or space where you can lower your mask
• This month: Track the energy cost of different masking situations
• Long-term: Build a life requiring less masking overall

The neurodivergent community recognizes masking as:

• A trauma response developed for survival
• More demanding for multiply-marginalized people
• A major contributor to autistic burnout
• Something that can become so automatic we mask even when alone

Community wisdom emphasizes that unmasking is a privilege not everyone can access safely, and the goal is creating a world where masking isn't necessary for acceptance.

Do / Don't

Do's

• Validate the exhaustion masking causes
• Respect people's masking choices
• Create spaces where masking isn't needed
• Recognize masking as a survival skill

Don'ts

• Don't shame someone for masking
• Don't force someone to unmask before ready
• Don't praise someone for "passing" as neurotypical
• Don't assume someone is "fine" because they mask well

For Families and Caregivers

When your loved one masks less around you, they're showing trust. This might mean:

• More stimming or movement
• Less eye contact
• More direct communication
• Visible exhaustion after social situations

Support unmasking by:

• Accepting all forms of communication
• Not commenting on "weird" behaviors
• Reducing social demands at home
• Understanding that unmasking can initially increase meltdowns

For Schools and Workplaces

Educators: Students who appear to cope may be masking at enormous cost. Don't praise masking as "good behavior." Allow natural movement, different interaction styles, and create genuinely inclusive environments.

Employers: Masking contributes to neurodivergent employee burnout and turnover. Reduce masking necessity through:

• Clear, direct communication norms
• Flexible interaction options
• Acceptance of different working styles
• Remote work opportunities

Intersectionality & Variation

• Gender: Women and non-binary people face higher masking pressure due to social expectations
• Race: BIPOC individuals may mask to avoid additional discrimination and stereotyping
• Class: Those without diagnosis or support must mask for survival
• Age: Masking ability often decreases with age, leading to late diagnosis
• Culture: Collectivist cultures may demand more social masking

Related Terms

• Camouflaging - Often used interchangeably with masking
• Unmasking - The process of reducing masking
• Autistic Burnout - Often results from prolonged masking
• Stimming - Natural behaviors often suppressed during masking