What Is Masking in Autism?

Masking is a complex topic that is often misunderstood by those who are not on the autism spectrum. It is the practice of hiding one’s true thoughts and feelings to conform to social norms. Many autistic people feel they must mask to navigate a world designed for neurotypical individuals.

Our guest author, Anonymous Gods, an autistic blogger, shares insights into masking, why autistic people use it, and how it affects their daily lives.

Why Do Autistic People Use Masking?

Coping with Social Interactions

Masking allows autistic individuals to blend in by adjusting their behaviors, expressions, and responses to appear non-autistic. This helps them avoid sensory overload, social rejection, and bullying.

Late Diagnosis and Masking

Many individuals diagnosed later in life have spent years perfecting their masking skills, often unaware that they were autistic. This masking can delay diagnosis, as many professionals may not recognize autism in individuals who have learned to “pass” as neurotypical.

A late diagnosis, however, can open doors to support and accommodations, making life easier to navigate.

Masking as an Assertion of Identity

Masked autism is not always about hiding—it can also be a way of asserting identity. Autistic rights activist Lydia Brown explains that some autistic individuals refuse to mask because they want to challenge social expectations. Others may be unable to mask due to sensory sensitivities or communication challenges.

However, passing as non-autistic often comes with unspoken rules. For example, autistic individuals may feel pressure to show interest in certain topics just to fit in. This can be especially challenging for autistic youth who lack the self-awareness or language skills to mask effectively.

Masking Isn’t Always a Choice

In some cases, masking is forced upon autistic individuals by parents, teachers, or caregivers who do not understand autism. This pressure can lead to harmful coping mechanisms, including:

Depersonalization (feeling disconnected from oneself)
Dissociation (mentally detaching from a situation)
Increased anxiety and depression

Autistic individuals are already prone to mental health challenges due to the stress of functioning in a neurotypical world. Forced masking only adds to this burden.

The Downsides of Masking

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

When forced to mask, some autistic individuals turn to self-soothing behaviors like stimming, while others may develop self-injurious behaviors as a way to cope with anxiety and isolation. Unfortunately, these behaviors are often misunderstood and labeled as “problematic” by medical professionals.

Conclusion

Autistic people do not mask to deceive others—they do it because they need accommodations to function in a world that is not built for them. However, prolonged masking can be exhausting and lead to autistic burnout. Autistic individuals need to recognize when masking is necessary and when it’s safe to be their true selves.

Resources for Autistic Masking

There are many resources available to help autistic individuals understand masking and find ways to balance it without losing themselves. If you experience autistic burnout, consider discussing your situation with a psychologist to explore strategies that work best for you.

Get Professional Support

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 10 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she can work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin! If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with her, you can contact here to get the process started.