What are the Long-Term Effects of Autism Masking?
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What if being yourself felt like a risk? Many individuals with autism grow up feeling that their natural ways of interacting with the world aren’t “acceptable.” To avoid standing out, they learn to mask—pushing down their true selves to blend in with neurotypical expectations.
At first, it might seem like a useful skill, but over time, masking can take a serious toll. Anxiety, burnout, and even a lost sense of identity are just some of the long-term effects. So, what does masking really cost, and why is it so important to talk about?
Understanding Autism Masking
What is Autism Masking?
Autism masking, sometimes called "camouflaging," is the process of consciously or unconsciously suppressing autistic traits to fit into social situations. It can include:
- Forcing eye contact despite discomfort
- Mimicking social behaviors to appear more "normal"
- Suppressing stimming behaviors, such as hand-flapping or rocking
- Rehearsing conversations to avoid social missteps
- Ignoring sensory discomfort to avoid appearing "overly sensitive"
Masking is especially common in autistic women and girls, who are often socialized to be more accommodating and may learn to mask early in life. However, autistic individuals of all genders experience it to some degree.
Why Do Autistic People Mask?
Masking is often driven by external pressures, including:
- Fear of social rejection or bullying
- Workplace expectations
- Family pressure to "act normal"
- Desire to form friendships or relationships
- Avoidance of misunderstandings or negative assumptions
While masking can help an autistic individual navigate certain social situations, it comes with a cost—one that accumulates over time.
The Psychological Impact of Long-Term Masking
Increased Anxiety and Depression
One of the most well-documented effects of long-term masking is heightened anxiety and depression. Constantly monitoring and adjusting one’s behavior is mentally exhausting and can lead to:
- Chronic stress and emotional exhaustion
- Persistent feelings of inadequacy or "not being good enough"
- Social anxiety, even in familiar settings
Loss of Identity and Self-Esteem
Autistic individuals who mask extensively often struggle with a fragmented sense of self. They may feel disconnected from their true identity and unsure of who they are without the mask. This can result in:
- Difficulty forming a stable self-concept
- Low self-esteem and self-doubt
- Internalized ableism (believing one's autistic traits are inherently "wrong")
Emotional Burnout and Autistic Burnout
Long-term autism masking can lead to burnout—a state of extreme exhaustion where an autistic person can no longer sustain the effort of masking. Symptoms include:
- Profound fatigue
- Loss of previously developed skills
- Increased sensitivity to sensory input
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Difficulty with executive functioning
Recovery from autistic burnout can take months or even years, and some individuals never fully regain their previous levels of functioning.
The Physical Consequences of Autism Masking
Chronic Fatigue and Stress-Related Illnesses
The constant stress of masking can take a toll on the body. Studies suggest that prolonged stress can lead to:
- Weakened immune function
- Gastrointestinal issues (IBS, chronic stomach pain)
- Headaches and migraines
- Increased risk of cardiovascular issues
Increased Sensory Overload
Suppressing sensory discomfort doesn’t make it go away—it often makes it worse. Over time, masking sensory sensitivities can lead to:
- Heightened reactivity to sensory input
- Increased frequency of shutdowns or meltdowns
- Difficulty regulating emotions and reactions
Social and Relational Consequences of Masking
Struggles with Authenticity in Relationships
Autistic individuals who mask often feel as though they must "perform" in social situations, leading to:
- Superficial relationships that lack depth or understanding
- Fear of being "found out" as autistic
- Difficulty trusting others with their true selves
Workplace and Career Challenges
Many autistic adults report masking at work to fit into professional environments. This can result in:
- Increased work-related stress and burnout
- Difficulty advocating for accommodations
- Career stagnation due to exhaustion from constant masking
Breaking the Cycle: How to Reduce Masking and Support Autistic Individuals
Encouraging Self-Acceptance
One of the most powerful ways to combat the negative effects of masking is through self-acceptance. This can be achieved by:
- Connecting with other autistic individuals
- Learning about autism from neurodivergent voices
- Embracing stimming, sensory tools, and other self-regulation techniques
Creating Inclusive Environments
For workplaces, schools, and families, reducing the need for masking means creating environments where autistic individuals feel safe being themselves. This can include:
- Encouraging open communication about sensory needs
- Providing flexible social and work expectations
- Normalizing different forms of expression, such as stimming or avoiding eye contact
Seeking Professional Support
Therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) can help autistic individuals develop skills in a way that supports their well-being rather than forcing them to suppress their true selves. Blue Jay ABA provides individualized therapy to help autistic individuals thrive without needing to mask.
Conclusion
The long-term effects of autism masking can be profound, impacting mental health, physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. While masking may sometimes feel necessary in a neurotypical world, it’s essential that autistic individuals have the support and freedom to be their authentic selves.
If your child is struggling with the challenges of autism masking, Blue Jay ABA is here to help. Our compassionate, individualized therapy services support autistic individuals in developing skills, building confidence, and navigating life without the burden of constant masking.
Reach out to Blue Jay ABA to learn more about how we can help.
FAQs
What is autism masking, and why do autistic people do it?
Autism masking, also known as camouflaging, is when an autistic person suppresses their natural behaviors to fit into social norms. This can include mimicking neurotypical social cues, forcing eye contact, or hiding stimming behaviors. Many autistic individuals mask to avoid bullying, form relationships, or meet workplace and societal expectations.
What are the negative effects of long-term autism masking?
Long-term masking can lead to anxiety, depression, identity loss, autistic burnout, and even physical health issues due to chronic stress. It can also delay diagnosis and make it harder for individuals to seek the support they need.
How can someone recognize if they are masking?
People who mask often feel mentally exhausted after social interactions, struggle with self-identity, and experience heightened anxiety in social settings. They may find themselves rehearsing conversations, mimicking others’ behaviors, or feeling detached from their authentic selves.
Sources:
- https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/04/autism-masking
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060524/
- https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/autism-masking/
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-masking-autism.html
- https://www.npr.org/2022/04/14/1092869514/unmasking-autism-more-inclusive-world
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