Overview: This article discusses masking ~ what it is, why people do it, and the potential negative consequences from the prolonged practice of masking.
Masking is the practice of intentionally, or unintentionally, hiding aspects of oneself to avoid stigma or perceived harm. Masking in the form of social mimicry is prevalent in both autistic and non-autistic populations. However, autistic people tend to have higher rates of masking and tend to be more negatively affected by doing so. Understanding this common and demanding practice is often critical to fostering well-being and belonging in order to help curb or stop the use of masking.
What is Masking?
Masking, also known as “camouflaging,” is a series of behaviors used by people to hide or suppress traits, actions, or other characteristics in social situations. While mimicking others is a common human trait, autistic people often go much further to mask sensory sensitivities, stimming behaviors, and social skills that they fear if shown will result in judgment or ridicule. Common examples of masking include:
Mimicry of others in social situations
Forcing or monitoring eye contact
Changing speech or tone of voice – less direct phrasing, increasing or decreasing animation
Withholding information – concern with being inappropriate or unusual
Scripting – planning in advance what to say
Suppressing stimming behaviors
Using facial and verbal expressions that do not come naturally
Mirroring dress and other elements of appearance
Reducing visible reactions to sensory sensitivities – i.e. not flinching when shaking hands
Why Mask?
Masking, at its core, is a method of identity management that is common across all populations (Miller et al. 2020). People are simply trying to avoid ridicule, gain social acceptance, maintain relationships, and improve personal opportunities, among other goals. If acting, sounding, or dressing like others helps achieve those goals people are often quick to mask.
Milton and Simms (2016) assessed well-being and belonging across autistic and non-autistic groups and found similar motivations across both groups. All people wanted feelings of connection, recognition from others, and positive relationships. However, they found that autistic people were often experiencing more difficulty in gaining acceptance and affirmation than their non-autistic peers. Autistic people are often working twice as hard to mask themselves to “fit in” in non-autistic spaces. Autistics report barriers to feeling a sense of belonging in these areas, and that the consequences of persistent masking can be severe if not managed.
Consequences of Masking
Masking may result in temporary relief from judgment or allow for feeling a connection or sense of belonging in specific situations. However, research has shown that autistic people experience numerous long-term consequences from masking. These consequences commonly include:
Delayed diagnosis and limited support
Disconnection from true sense of identity
Feelings of isolation and loneliness
Autism Burnout
Challenges expressing true thoughts and feelings
Depression and Anxiety
Suicidal Ideation
This is a frightening list of negative consequences! It is made even more disheartening by the fact that masking is often an attempt to hide oneself out of the basic human desire to fit in and be accepted. By putting on a “mask” a person is able to step away from their true self and perform in an inauthentic and often exhausting manner. Understandably, the negative consequences of masking are often primary reasons why autistic people seek out mental health care.
Double Edged Sword
Imagine an autistic teenage girl whose sole desire is to make and keep friends, but who, to do so, must mask her poor social tendencies, sensory sensitivities, and restricted interests. This masking may work at first, but eventually she could lose core parts of her identity. She is stuck between masking and unmasking – one helps her have friends but the other is the only way to be her true self. This is a common impossible dilemma for many autistics, especially women and girls (Tierny et al., 2016). This dynamic plays out throughout an autistic person’s life, in school, at work, and in countless social and familial situations.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this impossible conundrum, many people are able to find comfort with a balance of embracing their true selves while using masking in certain situations (Hull et al, 2024). Social Skills Training and similar interventions can help achieve this balance and are best administered in a way that discourages masking, encourages authentic expression, and helps the person build competencies that both they and others can accept. For more on this process and other tools for alleviating the stress of masking, check out the article Reclaiming Your True Self: Tools for Navigating the Unmasking Process in the learning hub.
Conclusion
Masking, or hiding authentic self-expression to gain acceptance, may result in the temporary alleviation of social distress, but it often leads to long-term consequences including depression, burnout, and loss of sense of self. This is a dance that too many autistics have to learn to navigate spaces and relationships that were not designed for them. It is an unfair practice that autistics utilize in the search for connection and personal wellbeing.
References
Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of autism acceptance and mental health in autistic adults. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 48, 473-484.
Hull, L., Rane, S., Lee, S. H. L., & Sedgewick, F. (2024). “Just Ask What Support We Need”: Autistic Adults' Feedback on Social Skills Training. Autism in Adulthood.
Miller, D., Rees, J., & Pearson, A. (2021). “Masking is life”: Experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic adults. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 330-338.
Milton, D., & Sims, T. (2016). How is a sense of well-being and belonging constructed in the accounts of autistic adults?. Disability & Society, 31(4), 520-534.
Tierney, S., Burns, J. and Kilbey, E. (2016) Looking behind the mask: social coping strategies of girls on the autistic spectrum. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 23. pp. 73-83. ISSN 1750-9467.
