23/07/2025
Masking is when you consciously or unconsciously hide parts of who you are to appear more “typical” or socially acceptable.
It’s common among autistic and neurodivergent people — and often goes unnoticed, even by the person doing it.
Here are 4 ways you might be masking in your everyday life:
1. You feel emotionally or physically drained after social interactions
You might seem confident or “fine” during a conversation, but crash afterward. That’s often because you were constantly monitoring your behaviour, tone, body language, and facial expressions — which is exhausting.
2. You rehearse conversations or overthink how you came across
Before social situations, you may script what to say. Afterward, you might replay it in your mind, worrying whether you said something “wrong” or missed a cue. This is a sign you’re working hard to manage perceptions.
3. You suppress natural behaviours like fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or stimming
You might stop yourself from doing things that help you feel calm and regulated — like hand movements, rocking, or avoiding eye contact — because you’ve learned they’re seen as “weird” or unacceptable.
4. You mirror others’ behaviours, speech patterns, or interests
Do you find yourself adjusting how you speak, what you say, or even your hobbies based on who you’re around? This can make it hard to know what you actually like or how you really feel.
Masking can help people survive in social settings - but over time, it can take a serious toll on mental health and identity.
You deserve spaces where you don’t have to hide. Where you’re safe to unmask.
