Understanding Masking in Autism and ADHD: A Deep Dive into Its Impacts and Implications
What is Masking?
Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of one's natural behaviours to conform to societal expectations.
Masking can be a coping mechanism to navigate social interactions and avoid stigma. However, emerging research highlights the significant psychological and social costs associated with these behaviours.
How Masking Affects Individuals
1. Mental Health Challenges
Research indicates that masking is linked to increased mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. A study comparing autistic and non-autistic adults found that masking led to feelings of disconnection from one's true identity and had a negative impact on mental health.
2. Delayed or Missed Diagnoses
Masking can obscure the recognition of neurodivergent traits, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. For instance, females often present less overt symptoms, which can result in misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
3. Impaired Authenticity
Consistently masking can hinder individuals from expressing their authentic selves, leading to a sense of inauthenticity and social isolation. This is particularly evident in autistic teenagers, where masking is associated with mental health challenges.
4. Workplace Implications
In professional settings, masking is prevalent among neurodivergent individuals. A study examining workplace experiences found that neurodivergent adults engaged in masking to meet social expectations, which affected job satisfaction and well-being.
Gender Differences in Masking
Gender plays a significant role in masking behaviours.
Females are more likely to internalize their symptoms, leading to a higher risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This internalization can also result in increased rates of self-harm and mental health issues.
Moving Toward Authenticity
While masking can serve as a short-term strategy for social integration, it is associated with long-term psychological costs. Promoting environments that value neurodiversity and authenticity can help reduce the need for masking.
Encouraging self-awareness and providing support tailored to individual needs are crucial steps in fostering inclusive communities.
Key Takeaways
Masking is a common coping mechanism for neurodivergent individuals but comes with significant mental health risks.
Delayed diagnoses are common, especially among females.
Authenticity and acceptance are vital for well-being and social connection.
Creating supportive environments can help reduce the need for masking and promote inclusivity.