Masking in autism. Analysis of the phenomenon

Abstract

One of the most important aspects of the functioning of people with autism is masking. Thisis a strategy aimed at minimizing the specific symptoms of the neurotype and an attempt toimplement normative patterns into one’s own repertoire of behaviour. Masking is motivatedby the need for adaptation and social acceptance. It is a manifestation of an internalized socialneed to remain in the pattern of a broadly understood behavioural norm. It is supposed tocounteract ostracism, making an autistic person similar to the neurotypical majority. Thearticle is a narrative review, based on the most current thematic literature, taking into accountthe self-advocacy voice of people diagnosed with autism. Its main goal is to present themechanisms of masking and its consequences on the individual and social level.An extensive review of the research indicated some common features of the analysedphenomenon. Masking can take the form of camouflage, i.e. masking autistic features,and compensation, i.e. the use of strategies aimed at overcoming non-neurotypical needs.Masking is supported by social expectations of normativity. Masking is a phenomenon thatcharacterizes women in particular. The female autistic phenotype is characterized by greaterability to imitate social behaviour, including greater ability to control and inhibit the expressionof autism symptoms, and greater social needs. This is conducive to the implementation ofstrategies based on pretending to be socially acceptable models. Masking makes it impossibleto build an authentic identity. Masking has emotional consequences in the form of a strongoverload as a result of inhibiting needs and constant control of one’s own behaviour.Masking is only a seemingly adaptive strategy. In fact, it exposes you to serious anxietydisorders, depression and prevents you from developing self-awareness and living inharmony with your own identity. There is an ongoing need for a change in the socialperception of autism that would increase acceptance of alternative forms of expression ofhuman neurotypes.