Uncover the hidden struggles of individuals with high masking autism as they navigate a world designed for neurotypical individuals.
Unveiling the Mask: Understanding High Masking Autism
Individuals with high masking autism often go unnoticed in a neurotypical world. Our ability to camouflage autistic traits and blend in with peers can make it difficult for others to recognize our unique struggles. High masking autism refers to hiding autistic characteristics in order to fit into social norms and expectations. This can include copying neurotypical behaviour, suppressing stimming (self-stimulatory behaviours), and masking sensory sensitivities. (Ready for more about sensory sensitivities in autism here: http://Sensory Overload in Autism). Understanding high masking autism is crucial to providing support and creating an inclusive environment.
The Constant Struggle: Challenges Faced by Autistic Individuals
While high masking autism allows individuals to navigate social situations more easily, it comes with its own set of challenges. Constantly suppressing one’s true self can be exhausting both mentally and emotionally. High masking individuals often experience heightened anxiety and stress as we strive to meet societal expectations. We may struggle with maintaining relationships and forming genuine connections. This is due to the constant effort required to hide our true identities. The need to conform to social norms can also lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of acceptance.
I have struggled my whole life to make lasting connections with peers and to maintain friendships. I have always felt like I had to put more effort in than my peers. This has been an exhausting experience. I have often sacrificed friendships to preserve my energy for the necessary daily tasks such as work, cleaning, or cooking. This has led to a very lonely existence. This was compounded by a late diagnosis, which you can read about here: https://newlyneurodivergent.com/wait-am-i-autistic-understanding-autism-in-late-diagnosed-females-my-experience/
Navigating Social Interactions: The Complexities of High Masking
Masking autistic traits in social interactions is a complex process that high masking individuals engage in daily. It involves carefully observing and imitating the behaviour of others. Additionally, we constantly monitor and change our responses to fit in, suppressing natural instincts and reactions. This can be mentally exhausting and overwhelming, as it requires intense cognitive effort and constant vigilance. I find myself copying the body language of the person across from me or laughing when others laugh, even if I do not understand why.
High masking individuals may struggle with understanding social cues, interpreting nonverbal communication, and maintaining appropriate eye contact. However, we work hard to navigate these challenges and blend in with our neurotypical peers. I constantly monitor my body language and eye contact, trying to decide if it is appropriate for the setting that I am in. This often leads to me making too much or too little eye contact. You can find out more about how you mask by taking the CAT-Q here: https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/
The Toll on Mental Health: Impact of High Masking
Masking takes a toll on the mental health of autistic individuals, particularly those who engage in high levels of masking. Constantly pretending to be someone else can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can be emotionally draining to constantly hide one’s true identity and live in fear of being exposed as different. The internal conflict between wanting to be accepted and understood while also longing for authenticity can cause significant distress. It is crucial to prioritize the mental well-being of high masking autistic individuals and provide them with the support and resources they need.
I have faced a lot of judgement in the moments that I do not mask. I even hear from my mom that I “look autistic” which is a very unhelpful comment and makes me afraid to unmask.
Embracing Neurodiversity: Empowering Individuals with Autism
Embracing neurodiversity is essential for creating an inclusive society that values and empowers individuals with high masking autism. Instead of expecting autistic individuals to constantly mask who we are, we should celebrate our unique strengths and perspectives. Providing accommodations and support systems that cater to our needs can significantly improve our well-being. Educating the general public about high masking autism is important! This promotes acceptance and understanding and can help break down the barriers that prevent us from fully participating in society. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are.
April 2024
