Conceptualising Autistic Masking, Camouflaging, and Neurotypical Privilege: Towards a Minority Group Model of Neurodiversity

Abstract

Autistic masking and camouflaging – concealing Autistic traits and “passing” as non-Autistic – are linked to negative developmental consequences including stress, mental illness, identity loss, and suicidality. Recent psychological literature on masking and camouflaging seeks to urgently address these issues – yet overlooks relevant sociological research. This study uses Sara Ahmed and Frantz Fanon’s work on masking, alongside Judith Butler’s concept of performativity, to formulate distinct sociological definitions for Autistic masking and camouflaging. I offer a qualitative critical discourse analysis of 2018’s #TakeTheMaskOff neurodiversity activism campaign, alongside psychology masking/camouflaging literature, to question the social drivers of masking and camouflaging. Autism is widely understood as an “invisible” disability. However, I found that the necessity of masking and camouflaging to avoid discrimination renders Autistic people a “visible Neurominority group.” Proposing a new Minority Group Model of Neurodiversity, I argue that Neurotypical hegemony, invisibility, and majority group privilege are key social drivers of masking and camouflaging.