Understanding Autism Masking & Camouflaging: A Guide for Parents
Learn about autism masking, why autistic individuals camouflage their traits, the mental health impacts, and how to support your child in being their authentic self.
Masking, also known as camouflaging, refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of autistic traits in order to appear more neurotypical in social situations. Research from the National Autistic Society shows that masking is extremely common, particularly among autistic women and girls.
What Is Autism Masking?
Masking involves a range of strategies that autistic individuals use to hide or minimize their autistic characteristics. This might include forcing eye contact, suppressing stimming behaviors, rehearsing social scripts, or mimicking others' expressions.
Common Masking Behaviors
- Forcing or faking eye contact during conversations
- Suppressing natural stimming behaviors
- Copying others' facial expressions and gestures
- Preparing and rehearsing social scripts
- Hiding intense interests that seem "unusual" to others
- Enduring sensory discomfort without showing distress
- Using learned phrases to appear more socially "normal"
Why Do Autistic People Mask?
Masking often develops as a survival strategy in response to social pressure and negative experiences. Autistic individuals learn to mask through experiences of bullying, rejection, or being told their natural behaviors are wrong.
The Mental Health Impact of Masking
While masking may help autistic individuals navigate social situations in the short term, research consistently shows significant mental health consequences from prolonged camouflaging.
Consequences of Chronic Masking
- Autistic burnout from exhaustion of constant performance
- Identity confusion and loss of authentic self
- Increased anxiety and depression symptoms
- Delayed autism diagnosis due to hidden traits
- Difficulty accessing appropriate support services
Recognizing Masking in Your Child
Signs Your Child May Be Masking
- Significantly different behavior at home vs. school
- Exhaustion or meltdowns after social situations
- Copying behaviors from TV shows, movies, or peers
- Appearing "fine" in public but struggling privately
- High anxiety about social situations despite appearing capable
Supporting Authentic Self-Expression
Ways to Support Your Child
- Create safe spaces where stimming and special interests are welcomed
- Validate their autistic experiences and identity
- Teach self-advocacy skills to communicate their needs
- Help them identify when masking feels necessary vs. optional
- Connect them with autistic mentors and community
Expert Insight from Jennifer Harbour, M.S., BCBA
"Our approach at Buzz ABA is neurodiversity-affirming—we never ask children to hide who they are," explains Jennifer Harbour, Clinical Director with over 20 years of ABA experience. "My goal is to help children build skills that genuinely serve them while celebrating their authentic selves. When we see a child stimming, we see a child regulating. When we see a child with intense interests, we see passion and potential."
Start Your Child's Journey Today
Buzz ABA provides comprehensive, evidence-based ABA therapy in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding NH communities. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach helps children thrive.
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