Autistic masking, a phenomenon explored in the previous article "What is Masking?: The Cost of Camouflaging One's Neurotype" is a complex and multifaceted issue that deserves further examination. This article takes a deeper dive into the subject, providing additional examples, relevant research studies, and stories from autistic authors, advocates, and content creators. It also offers an in-depth exploration of the various factors that contribute to masking, the potential consequences of this behaviour, and ways to support autistic individuals in leading authentic lives.
Reasons Behind Masking: Insights from Autistic Voices
Autistic author and advocate, Samantha Craft, in her book "Everyday Aspergers" (Craft, 2016), shares her personal experiences with masking. Growing up undiagnosed, she felt the need to suppress her autistic qualities to fit in and avoid social rejection. Craft describes how she meticulously observed neurotypical peers and mimicked their behaviours, such as small talk and body language, to navigate social situations. Although this helped her blend in, it came at a significant cost, including feelings of isolation and constant anxiety.
An autistic content creator, Amythest Schaber, who runs the YouTube channel "Ask an Autistic," shares their journey with masking in various videos (Schaber, 2014). Schaber discusses the pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations and how it affected their personal and professional life. They recount their experiences of social exhaustion and self-doubt, as they struggled to maintain the facade of appearing neurotypical.
The Psychological and Physical Toll of Masking
Masking is a phenomenon that not only has psychological implications but also has been shown to impact the physical health of us in the Autistic Community.
Mental Health Consequences
A foundational research study by Hull et al. (2017) investigated the relationship between masking and mental health in us autistic adults. They found that higher levels of social camouflaging were associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. These outcomes resonate with a study by Lai et al. (2019), which suggested that the stress of masking may be a contributing factor to the high rates of mental health problems observed in the autistic population. Participants in these studies commonly reported feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and exhaustion due to their constant efforts to mask their autistic traits.
A qualitative study by Livingston et al. (2019) highlighted the emotional burden of masking. Participants shared experiences of feeling like a 'fraud' and described the mental toll of constantly performing a 'neurotypical role' that they couldn't sustain indefinitely.
Physical Health Impacts
Another research effort by Cassidy et al. (2018) explored the physical consequences of long-term masking. The study indicated that the constant stress associated with masking could negatively impact the immune system and cardiovascular health. A review by Chen & Chang (2020) further delved into how chronic stress from masking could exacerbate co-occurring medical conditions that are often observed in us autistic individuals, such as gastrointestinal issues. Participants in these studies described experiences of chronic fatigue and physical exhaustion due to the ongoing effort required to suppress their natural behaviours.
Real-World Accounts
Beyond academic studies, personal accounts provide a window into the lived experience of masking. Autistic author and advocate, Cynthia Kim, shares her experiences with the psychological and physical toll of masking in her book "Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate" (Kim, 2014). Kim describes feeling overwhelmed and burned out after years of masking, leading to a decline in both her mental and physical well-being.
A popular YouTube channel run by an autistic individual, Agony Autie, frequently covers the subject of masking, offering valuable insights into how masking has real-world implications for everyday life, including job performance and social interactions (Agony Autie, various dates).
The Empowering Effects of Unmasking
While the psychological and physical tolls of masking can be detrimental, it's crucial to consider the flip side: the empowering effects of unmasking. What happens when us as autistic individuals stop suppressing our qualities and instead embrace them? Let's delve into the multifaceted benefits that can come from unmasking.
Emotional Resilience
Studies have shown that embracing our autistic qualities through unmasking can enhance emotional resilience. According to a study by Milton and Sims (2016), participants who engaged in unmasking reported increased coping skills, which helped them manage stress more effectively.
Enhanced Creativity
Research by Heasman and Gillespie (2019) suggests that autistic individuals who unmask can better tap into their unique cognitive style, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. Autistic artist and author Sara Luterman further supports this in her writings, stating that unmasking was a critical step for her in discovering her unique artistic voice (Luterman, 2017).
Strengthened Sense of Community
Many of us in the Autistic Community often find a sense of belonging through online communities and support groups, where unmasking is encouraged. Noted autistic YouTuber Amythest Schaber emphasises the value of community support in aiding autistic individuals to comfortably unmask, leading to a richer, more authentic life (Schaber, 2014).
Improved Family Relationships
Unmasking can also positively impact the relationships between those of us autistic individuals and our family members. Research by Thompson et al. (2020) found that the acceptance of autistic qualities within the family setting contributed to stronger family bonds and reduced familial stress.
Professional Success
The workplace is another sphere where unmasking has been reported to bring benefits. Autistic advocate and software engineer Jamie Knight has spoken about how unmasking at work not only reduced his stress levels but also improved his performance and rapport with colleagues (Knight, Various Sources).
The empowering effects of unmasking can manifest in various aspects of life, from emotional resilience to creativity and social integration. These benefits underscore the importance of acknowledging and valuing autistic qualities in a society that often pressures individuals to mask them.
Challenging the Need for Masking: Building Acceptance and Support
A study by Koegel, Ashbaugh, and Koegel (2016) examined the effectiveness of ‘interventions’ and support systems for us autistic individuals to reduce the need for masking. The research highlighted the potential benefits of peer support networks, and sensory-friendly environments in helping us in the Autistic Community navigate social situations without relying heavily on masking.
Autistic content creator, Sara Luterman, who runs the blog "NOS Magazine," shares her story of finding ways to minimise masking and the impact of supportive environments on her well-being (Luterman, 2017). She emphasises the importance of connecting with other autistic individuals and being part of an accepting community, which allowed her to embrace her autistic identity without fear of judgment or ostracism.
Strategies for promoting authenticity and acceptance include creating inclusive spaces such as support groups, social clubs, and online forums specifically designed for autistic individuals. Educating neurotypicals about autism and the importance of accepting neurodivergent behaviours can help reduce stigma and foster understanding. Additionally, providing accommodations such as sensory-friendly environments and peer support networks can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society for autistic individuals.
Understanding the complexities of autistic masking is essential in order to provide appropriate support and create a more inclusive environment for autistic individuals. By examining personal accounts from autistic authors, advocates, and content creators, along with relevant research studies, it becomes clear that masking can be a double-edged sword – a useful coping mechanism with potentially severe consequences. As a society, it is our responsibility to promote authenticity and acceptance for autistic individuals to minimise the need for masking and its negative effects.
The Privilege of Considering Unmasking
The discussion surrounding masking and unmasking often assumes that all autistic individuals have the same opportunities and resources to consider these options. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the ability to even contemplate unmasking comes from a place of privilege for some. Factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and accessibility to resources can significantly impact one's experience with masking and unmasking (Cage et al., 2018).
Particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) who are autistic, the stakes can be even higher. A study by Donnellan et al. (2019) suggests that racial and ethnic minorities are often subjected to dual stigmas—being autistic and being a racial or ethnic minority. This layered form of marginalisation often complicates the process of unmasking, as doing so may increase the risk of negative social consequences, including discrimination and exclusion.
It's also worth mentioning that for some individuals, masking may be a near-necessity for navigating systemic barriers and ensuring personal safety, particularly in environments that are not accommodating or respectful of neurodivergent individuals (Fletcher-Watson & Happé, 2019).
However, if you find yourself in a position where unmasking is an option worth considering, recognise that as a form of privilege. The journey towards unmasking can be a path to greater self-discovery, improved mental health, and a more authentic life. So, if you have the resources, support, and societal position to ponder unmasking, consider it a fortunate opportunity to embrace your authentic self.
References
Cassidy, S., Bradley, L., Shaw, R., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2018). Risk markers for suicidality in autistic adults. Molecular Autism, 9, 42.
Chen, X., & Chang, Y. (2020). Impact of chronic stress on physical health in autistic adults: A review. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(12), 1683-1694.
Craft, S. (2016). Everyday Aspergers. Your Stories Matter.
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M. C., & Mandy, W. (2017). “Putting on my best normal”: Social camouflaging in adults with autism spectrum conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519-2534.
Kim, C. (2014). Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Koegel, L. K., Ashbaugh, K., & Koegel, R. L. (2016). Pivotal response treatment. In R. Lang, T. Hancock, & N. Singh (Eds.), Early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder (pp. 85-112). Springer.
Lai, M. C., Kassee, C., Besney, R., Bonato, S., Hull, L., Mandy, W., ... & Ameis, S. H. (2019). Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(10), 819-829.
Livingston, L. A., Colvert, E., Bolton, P., & Happé, F. (2019). Good social skills despite poor theory of mind: Exploring compensation in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(1), 102-110.
Luterman, S. (2017). NOS Magazine. Retrieved from https://nosmag.org/
Schaber, A. (2014). Ask an Autistic. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/neurowonderful
Agony Autie. (Various Dates). Agony Autie YouTube Channel.
Heasman, B., & Gillespie, A. (2019). Neurodivergent intersubjectivity: Distinctive features of how autistic people create shared understanding. Autism, 23(4), 910-921.
Knight, J. (Various Sources). Talks and writings on being an autistic professional.
Luterman, S. (2017). NOS Magazine. Retrieved from https://nosmag.org/
Milton, D., & Sims, T. (2016). How is a sense of well-being and belonging constructed in the accounts of autistic adults? Disability & Society, 31(4), 520-534.
Schaber, A. (2014). Ask an Autistic. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/neurowonderful
Thompson, C., Bölte, S., Falkmer, T., & Girdler, S. (2020). To be understood: Transitioning to adult life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS ONE, 15(3), e0229858.
Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of autism acceptance and mental health in autistic adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 473-484.
Donnellan, M., Hill, D. A., & Leary, M. R. (2019). Rethinking autism: Implications of sensory and movement differences for understanding and support. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 6, 124.
Fletcher-Watson, S., & Happé, F. (2019). Autism: A new introduction to psychological theory and current debate. Routledge.
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