Masking: Difference between revisions

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Masking is when an autistic person tries to act like an [[Allism|allistic]] person. When done for prolonged periods of time, this can be very harmful to the autistic.
'''Masking''' is when an autistic person tries to act like an [[Allism|allistic]] person with the intention of fitting in or being allowed in an environment. When done for prolonged periods of time, this can be very harmful and lead to [[Autistic burnout|burnout]].


= = Types of Masking = =
On average, autistic women and other marginalized groups may mask more strongly than autistic cis white men. This may be one of the reasons fewer autistic women and people of color are diagnosed. This is almost certainly because of systemic oppressions that increase negative consequences for not masking. Also, people who are oppressed in different ways have additional reasons and pressures for adjusting behavior (like codeswitching, 'managing up' etc) which can make it hard for a person to realize they are masking autistic behavior and needs as opposed to other ones (for more see https://theautisticadvocate.com/autistic-masking/).
(non-inclusive list)
* Forcing oneself to look in other people's eyes
* Monitoring [[body_language|body language]], [[Facial_Expressions|facial expressions]], and [[tone_of_voice|tone]]


== Measuring masking ==


The [https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/ CAT-Q test] can be used to measure how much you mask.


== Types of Masking ==


This article is a stub
(Non-exhaustive list)
 
* Forcing oneself to look in other [[Eye contact|people's eyes]]
* Actively monitoring [[Body language|body language]], [[Facial expression|facial expressions]], and [[Tone of voice|tone]]
* Holding back/hiding [[Meltdown|meltdowns]] and/or [[Shutdown|shutdowns]]
* Camouflaging
* Hiding [[Stimming|stims]]
* [[Scripting]]
* Mimicking/Mirroring
 
 
[[Category:Stubs]]

Latest revision as of 03:12, 9 September 2022

Masking is when an autistic person tries to act like an allistic person with the intention of fitting in or being allowed in an environment. When done for prolonged periods of time, this can be very harmful and lead to burnout.

On average, autistic women and other marginalized groups may mask more strongly than autistic cis white men. This may be one of the reasons fewer autistic women and people of color are diagnosed. This is almost certainly because of systemic oppressions that increase negative consequences for not masking. Also, people who are oppressed in different ways have additional reasons and pressures for adjusting behavior (like codeswitching, 'managing up' etc) which can make it hard for a person to realize they are masking autistic behavior and needs as opposed to other ones (for more see https://theautisticadvocate.com/autistic-masking/).

Measuring masking[edit]

The CAT-Q test can be used to measure how much you mask.

Types of Masking[edit]

(Non-exhaustive list)