Neurodivergent Masking Fatigue/NEW-row-di-VER-gent MAS-king fuh-TEEG/
Exhaustion and stress that build up after prolonged masking of neurodivergent traits.
Andy says:
Wearing a heavy costume all day drains you—even if no one sees it.
Detailed Explanation
Long periods of suppressing stims, forcing eye contact, scripting speech, and copying social behavior create cognitive and emotional load. Over time, this can lead to burnout, anxiety, and reduced functioning. Reducing masking where safe and increasing acceptance lowers fatigue.
Community Context
Commonly discussed in autistic and ADHD communities. Many report relief from micro‑unmasking and supportive environments.
Quick Tips
- Plan unmasking windows; build in quiet, low‑demand time
- Use accommodations openly (headphones, sunglasses, AAC)
- Replace “people‑pleasing yes” with “consider and reply later”
Do / Don't
- Do: choose safe contexts to unmask; set boundaries
- Don't: self‑blame for fatigue; it’s an environment/load issue
Scientific Context
Studies link camouflaging to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout; supportive environments improve outcomes.
Language Notes
Related: masking, burnout, neuroaffirming.
Related Terms
Masking
Hiding or suppressing neurodivergent traits to appear more neurotypical. A survival strategy that involves mimicking social behaviors, suppressing stims, and performing neurotypicality at significant personal cost.
Autistic Burnout
Complete physical, mental, and sensory collapse from the cumulative cost of existing in a neurotypical world. Skills disappear, speech vanishes, and previously automatic tasks become impossible—not tiredness but neurological system failure.
Neuroaffirming
Creating spaces, practices, and attitudes that accept and support neurodivergent people as they are, rather than trying to change, fix, or hide their differences.
Accommodations
Changes to environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so people can participate equally. Not special treatment or lowered standards—just different paths to the same destination.
Sources
Community Contributions
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