Masking: Difference between revisions
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'''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]]. | '''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]]. | ||
On average, autistic women may mask more strongly than autistic men, and this may be one of the reasons fewer autistic women are diagnosed. | On average, autistic women and other marginalized groups may mask more strongly than autistic cis white men, and this may be one of the reasons fewer autistic women and people of color are diagnosed. | ||
== Measuring masking == | == Measuring masking == | ||
Revision as of 07:58, 24 August 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, and this may be one of the reasons fewer autistic women and people of color are diagnosed.
Measuring masking
The CAT-Q test can be used to measure how much you mask.
Types of Masking
(Non-exhaustive list)
- Forcing oneself to look in other people's eyes
- Actively monitoring body language, facial expressions, and tone
- Holding back/hiding meltdowns and/or shutdowns
- Camouflaging
- Hiding stims
- Scripting
- Mimicking/Mirroring
