Masking, also called camouflaging or compensating, is when individuals repress or hide signs of a mental health condition to blend in or adapt to the neurotypical world.
The concept is primarily used in the context of autism , but it can apply to ADHD and other mental health conditions as well.
While this technique can be advantageous in some ways, by creating greater integration in settings such as education or employment, it can come with heavy psychological costs, such as stress , exhaustion, burnout , and loss of identity .
For neurotypical people, it can be difficult to imagine a world in which your natural way of being is constantly at odds with societal norms. But this is the reality for many individuals with autism—as a result, they may use strategies to compensate and conform . Masking is the observable discrepancy between underlying preferences and outward behavior; it may be prompted by wanting to avoid judgment, rejection, and bullying , to make friends or find a romantic partner, or to succeed in their career .
Key Takeaways
- Masking affects mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
- Understanding masking is the first step toward managing it
- Evidence-based approaches can significantly improve outcomes
- Building daily habits is more effective than one-time interventions
How to Navigate Masking and Learning to Unmask
Coping with the challenges of masking, and exploring how to unmask, is a difficult process. This path forward will look different for everyone.
One way of approaching this challenge is by exploring what one’s “mask” looks like and if there are safe places to take it off. This might take the form of deciding to disclose one's neurodivergence to more people or allowing oneself coping skills, such as fidgeting or stimming, that are being suppressed. Feeling safe to unmask and be one’s true self can promote resilience . Kindness and understanding from neurotypical people in response can also go a long way.
However, the burden of change shouldn’t all be on the individual. Society has a role to play—to be more inclusive and accepting, and to create environments in which people with autism can thrive without hiding their authentic selves.
Unmasking can be deeply challenging yet worthwhile. The experience differs for everyone. It may require the courage to behave atypically and authentically. It may take time to rediscover one’s true self and live authentically. Some may find that their family, friends, or employer are accepting, while others may lose relationships.
One woman with autism describes this process as follows: “Unmasking is critical work I do with many of my autistic clients. The saddest part of this process is that most of them have been masking for so long that they don’t even remember who they are anymore. They don’t remember what they enjoy. They only know that it’s their job to try to figure out what others want and do it to avoid rejection. Unmasking can be a miraculous thing—because once you figure out who you really are and live an authentic life, almost everything becomes better.”
Yes, a therapist can help by exploring the reasons for masking, such as underlying shame , and conquering those challenges. A therapist can help identify masking behaviors, assess what easy steps the person can take to unmask, and then the harder steps, as well as implications for their relationships, career, and daily life. They can help brainstorm and implement changes in the person’s home and workplace that allow them to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is masking?
Masking, also called camouflaging or compensating, is when individuals repress or hide signs of a mental health condition to blend in or adapt to the neurotypical world.
Is masking a serious condition?
Masking exists on a spectrum. While mild forms are a normal part of life, persistent or severe masking can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It's important to seek professional support if masking is interfering with work, relationships, or wellbeing.
Learn More
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