Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Masking and Camouflaging
For some adults, navigating social situations can involve much more than simply understanding what another person is saying. They may consciously or unconsciously study how others behave, rehearse conversations, adjust their facial expressions, or suppress behaviours that feel natural to them. This process is commonly described as masking or camouflaging.
For people with Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder, masking can become a long-established way of navigating school, work, friendships, relationships, and other everyday situations. While it may sometimes help someone feel accepted or avoid unwanted attention, maintaining a socially expected presentation can also require considerable effort. Understanding masking can therefore be an important part of understanding an adult's experiences, needs, and wellbeing.
What Is Masking and Camouflaging?
Masking refers to efforts to hide, suppress, or compensate for autistic characteristics in order to appear more socially typical. Camouflaging is often used as a similar term. These behaviours may be conscious, unconscious, or a combination of both.
