Book SummaryHelping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking, by Emma Kendall

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking

Understanding the act of hiding traits associated with autism.

Autism masking is the conscious or subconscious act of masking or hiding one's autistic characteristics and behaviors to better fit in with social norms and expectations.

Individuals with autism might conceal their innate nonverbal cues, facial expressions, and ways of socializing to blend in more seamlessly with the behavioral norms of neurotypical individuals.

Kendall emphasizes the deliberate actions taken by individuals with autism to alter their outward actions, which are frequently deemed unconventional by the norms of neurotypical society. Individuals may conceal their true emotions by controlling their body language, imitating expressions that do not match their genuine feelings, and modifying their manner of communication. A person on the autism spectrum might consciously suppress behaviors like hand flapping or rocking, make an effort to sustain eye contact despite discomfort, or use rehearsed lines to navigate social situations. The goal of this imitation is to blend in smoothly while steering clear of attention on characteristics indicative of autism.

Other Perspectives

• The statement might overgeneralize the experiences of individuals with autism, as the spectrum is wide and each person's experience with autism is unique.
• The focus on imitation overlooks the possibility that individuals with autism may develop a genuine connection with the expressions they use, even if these expressions are learned or practiced.
• The suppression of stimming behaviors like hand flapping or rocking can sometimes be harmful, as these actions are often a form of self-regulation for individuals with autism, helping them to manage sensory overload or intense emotions.
• Some individuals with autism may find sustaining eye contact so uncomfortable that they choose not to do it, even if it means not blending in with neurotypical norms.
• Rehearsed lines may not always be effective in every social situation, as they can come across as inauthentic or out of context, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
• Efforts to blend in may not always be successful and can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of an individual's true capabilities and needs.

From a young age, individuals with autism might start using masking as a coping mechanism when they notice their social behaviors are different and they strive to fit in.

The author explains that the inclination to hide characteristics linked to autism often originates from the desire to blend into a society that often misinterprets or overlooks such traits. During childhood and adolescence, individuals with autism start to understand the norms of society and become aware of how they differ from others. Individuals frequently adopt behaviors that conceal their true selves in order to blend in, forge bonds with others, and protect themselves from being mistreated. This adaptation, however, comes at a cost, often leading to exhaustion, heightened nervousness, and a sense of alienation from one's true self.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a creative activity that reflects your true interests, without considering others' opinions. This could be anything from painting, writing poetry, or building a model airplane. Share your creation with a friend or on...

Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking Summary It is crucial to identify the camouflaging of characteristics associated with autism.

Autism masking may be recognized by noticing an individual's reliance on scripted interactions, their replication of others' behaviors, and their intentional control over both spoken and unspoken forms of communication.

Autistic individuals may go to great lengths to appear "normal," such as dressing and acting like their peers or avoiding social situations where their differences would be more apparent.

Kendall emphasizes the efforts of some individuals with autism to blend in with their peers. Individuals may adopt the hobbies, gestures, and actions that are common among their peers, thus shaping an identity that aligns with societal anticipations. Furthermore, the author highlights that individuals often avoid situations that might expose their difficulties in maintaining their masking, such as large social gatherings or environments with unpredictable social exchanges.

Practical Tips

• Create a peer observation journal to better understand social interactions. Start by discreetly noting down the behaviors and social cues you observe in various settings, like a coffee shop or during a meeting. This can help you identify patterns and strategies that others...

Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking Summary People often hide their traits associated with autism for a variety of reasons.

Individuals with autism frequently conceal their symptoms to evade negative judgment, harassment, and being ostracized socially.

Individuals on the autism spectrum often conceal their distinctive characteristics because they have a strong desire to be accepted and fit in socially with others.

Kendall underscores the intrinsic desire for acceptance that compels numerous individuals on the autism spectrum to conceal their true selves. From an early age, the realization that their innate methods of interaction and communication frequently lead to bewilderment, disapproval, or mockery can be profoundly alienating. The writer posits that individuals often experience a compulsion to hide their genuine autistic traits in their pursuit of social acceptance and integration into community circles, even if it means sacrificing their true selves.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal "traits affirmation" routine to reinforce self-acceptance. Each morning, take a few minutes to write down or say aloud positive aspects of your distinctive characteristics. This practice can help you internalize the value of your unique traits, reducing the perceived need to hide them for...

Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking Summary The effects of concealing autism.

People with autism may feel mentally and physically exhausted from maintaining a facade.

Continuously policing oneself and concealing one's true identity may result in exhaustion, depressive states, and a range of mental health difficulties.

Kendall emphasizes the considerable mental burden that consistently hiding traits associated with autism can place on a person. The constant exertion required to monitor social cues, manage personal behavior, and suppress natural inclinations demands a significant amount of mental effort. Engaging in this behavior frequently may result in feelings of fatigue, difficulties with emotional regulation, and an increased likelihood of suffering from mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for a cause you're passionate about as a way to express your true identity in a supportive environment. Engaging in activities that align with your values can help reduce the need to conceal your identity and can be a source of positive reinforcement for your authentic self.
• Introduce a "worry window" into your daily routine to manage anxiety. Allocate a 15-minute period each day where...

Helping You to Identify and Understand Autism Masking Summary Assisting those who engage in masking.

Fostering a setting that feels safe and welcoming can encourage those with autism to let go of their masks.

Creating a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes understanding rather than judgment enables those on the autism spectrum to fully accept and express their true identities.

Kendall underscores the necessity of creating settings that enable individuals on the autism spectrum to shed their masks and embrace their authentic selves. This necessitates fostering spaces that celebrate differences and promote comprehension. Creating a supportive environment that appreciates and honors the unique skills and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum is crucial, instead of perceiving traits associated with autism as deficits that need to be hidden or changed.

Context

• This refers to the practice where individuals on the autism spectrum consciously or unconsciously suppress or hide their autistic traits to fit in with societal norms. This can be mentally and emotionally exhausting and may lead to increased stress and anxiety.
• Having a strong support network, including family, friends, and community groups, can provide the encouragement and acceptance...