What Is Masking?

They may copy other peoples demeanor or actions or engage incompensatorybehaviors.

Masking can be compared to writing with your non-dominant hand.

people standing around at an office event talking

Morsa Images / Getty Images

What Does Masking Look Like?

A person may not realize that they are masking.

From a young age, the people around us communicate expectations for behavior.

It takes time to realize that you are masking and to unlearn the behavior.

This can be a sign of behavioral masking.

This might be a sign that you are masking in those options.

Masking can prevent people from receiving an accurate diagnosis, as professionals do not recognize masked traits.

Find spaces where you feel safe unmasking, and try out different social interaction styles or stimming behaviors.

As you get to know your authentic self, you might feel lessburned outor worn down by masking.

History Extra.A history of left-handed writing.

Masking and mental health.

Masking and Mental Health | Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders connection | Nebraska.

Accessed December 18, 2022.

Miller D, Rees J, Pearson A.Masking is life: experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic adults.

2021;3(4):330-338.

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

2020;2(2):132-143.

J Autism Dev Disord.

Published online May 20, 2022.