Autistic masking

Autistic masking, also referred to as camouflaging or Neurodivergent Masking, is the conscious or subconscious suppression of autistic behaviors and compensation of difficulties in social interaction by autistic people with the goal of being perceived as neurotypical. Masking is a learned coping strategy that can be successful from the perspective of autistic people, but can also lead to adverse mental health outcomes. There is no universally agreed-upon terminology for the concept. While some use the terms masking and camouflaging synonymously, others distinguish between masking (the suppression of behaviors) and compensation (of social difficulties) as the two main forms of camouflaging. Among autistic people, masking is the most commonly used umbrella term. The process of consciously giving up masking, which some autistic people see as a desirable goal, is referred to as unmasking. Motivations for unmasking include no longer hiding one's true identity and avoiding adverse mental health outcomes. Typical examples of autistic masking include the suppression of stimming and reactions to sensory overload. To compensate difficulties in social interaction with neurotypical peers, autistic people might maintain eye contact despite discomfort or mirror the body language and tone of others. Autistic people with conversational difficulties may also use more complex strategies such as scripting a conversation outline and developing conscious 'rules' for conversations, and carefully monitoring if these are being followed. Many autistic people learn conversational rules and social behaviors by watching television shows and other media, observing and mimicking a character's behavior. Masking can also include refraining from talking about passionate interests. Autistic people have cited social acceptance, the need to get a job, avoiding ostracism, or avoiding verbal or physical abuse as reasons for masking. Masking requires an exceptional effort and is a main cause of autistic burnout.