What Is Autism Masking? Devon Price on Its Meaning & Dangers

What is Autism masking? Why do Autistic people often feel the need to blend in with those around them?

In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores what Autism masking means and how it impacts Autistic individuals. This common coping mechanism involves suppressing natural behaviors and adopting neurotypical traits to fit in with society’s expectations.

Keep reading to discover what Autism masking is and the potential harms associated with it.

Autism Masking

The traits associated with Autism can often lead Autistic people to be misunderstood, misjudged, and mistreated. Allistic people often view Autistic people as rude, immature, unprofessional, or otherwise unlikable. This can make it more difficult for Autistic people to form and maintain relationships, gain employment, and make it through their daily interactions.

Price explains that, in order to avoid these negative social consequences, many Autistic people learn to mask their Autism. So, what is Autism masking, exactly? In simple terms, Autism masking is pretending not to be Autistic, and it can contribute to underdiagnosis because it causes people to not “look” Autistic.

(Shortform note: Research supports Price’s claims about the mistreatment of Autistic people. One study suggests that 75% of Autistic children experience bullying, and another indicates that they’re nearly eight times more likely to be bullied than allistic children. Studies on Autistic discrimination in the workplace are less prevalent, but one UK study found that half of Autistic respondents reported being discriminated against at work. Research also suggests that Autistic people are less likely to be believed when they report mistreatment, and that bullying has more severe effects on Autistic individuals than it does on allistic individuals.)

Masking is a survival strategy and coping mechanism. People develop it unconsciously in order to avoid being identified as disabled, and to appear independent and self-sufficient. Because the traits of Autism are visible from a very early age, maskers start learning how to mask in early childhood: They notice that their natural traits and behaviors elicit negative reactions from others, such as social alienation, mockery, and punishments from adults, so they learn to hide those traits. They observe how other people behave and identify what’s considered “good” or “normal” behavior, and then they mimic that behavior. 

(Shortform note: Some experts argue that Autistic masking is a form of impression management, a behavior whereby people make an effort—whether consciously or unconsciously—to control how others perceive them. Most people engage in impression management, which involves behaviors like suppressing your emotions, conformity, and flattery, and research shows it can be stressful and anxiety-inducing even for allistic people. These effects may be compounded for Autistic people because of the self-regulation and social acuity required for impression management. Autistic people often experience feelings of inauthenticity as a result of masking, as well as depersonalization, physical exhaustion, and burnout.)

Price explains that women, gender minorities, BIPOC, and poor people tend to face greater social consequences for their Autistic traits than white men, and thus are more likely to learn to mask. For example, a white man who frequently interrupts others might be viewed as assertive and powerful, whereas a Black woman who does the same is likely to be viewed as rude and unprofessional. Disabled people are also at a high risk of violence at both the individual and systemic level (50% of all people killed by police are disabled), and this risk is compounded for people in the demographics we’ve just discussed.

(Shortform note: Experts note some limitations in the research on how specific groups mask and are affected by masking. Most research has focused on Autistic people without intellectual disabilities, meaning we don’t know much about masking in Autistic people with intellectual disabilities. These experts also note a lack of research on masking in children and adolescents, as well as people in the Global South. Further research on these populations is needed to provide a fuller picture of the effects of masking on different demographics.)

(Shortform note: Experts note that the history of anti-Black racism, ableism (discrimination against disabled people), and poverty are closely intertwined in American history, which contributes to the way all three groups are treated by police today. In addition to the figure on police killings, research shows that over half of disabled Black people are arrested by age 28. Additionally, as a result of the higher rates of poverty in Black populations, a higher percentage of Black people are disabled than other racial groups. These and other factors illustrate the importance of considering all aspects of a person’s identity when assessing the mistreatment they’re subjected to.)

The Potential Harms of Masking 

Price explains that many Autistic individuals resort to destructive coping mechanisms to maintain their masks, such as substance abuse or excessive exercise. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unsustainability and cost of masking in order to begin the process of unmasking and embracing your true self. We’ll look at some specific ways Autistic masking can be harmful.

Substance Misuse

One common coping mechanism is substance use, particularly alcohol. Many Autistic individuals turn to substances to dull overwhelming sensory input, bolster their courage in social situations, and relax inhibitions. However, this can lead to addiction and other health problems. Price notes that Autistic people are at higher risk for substance use disorders and that conventional addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are less effective than treatments that integrate all aspects of a person’s health (including their Autism). 

(Shortform note: Research on substance use among Autistic people is mixed, but some studies suggest that around 50% of Autistic people misuse substances at some point in their lives. They may also be two to three times more likely to become addicted to substances than allistic people are. And while some research suggests that Autistic people are less likely to misuse alcohol than allistic people are, it also suggests that they’re almost nine times as likely to use recreational drugs to manage their symptoms or mask their Autism.)

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are another frequent issue among Autistic people, especially women, gender minorities, and late-diagnosed Autistics. Price discusses how some use restrictive eating or compulsive exercise as a way to control their bodies, regulate anxiety, or conform to social expectations of appearance. Eating disorders can provide structure and a sense of control, but are ultimately harmful. As with substance abuse treatment, conventional eating disorder treatments appear less effective for Autistic people than allistic people, but research suggests that treatments designed specifically for Autistics improve outcomes.

(Shortform note: While Price focuses largely on eating disorders as a form of masking, they can also be caused by other aspects of the Autistic experience. Many Autistic people are highly sensitive to the tastes, smells, and textures of different foods, causing them to avoid certain foods and gravitate toward others (Autistic people often have safe foods they can always rely on to provide a safe sensory experience, or same foods that they eat regularly for days, weeks, or months on end). The sounds of eating can also be distressing for Autistic people, which can make it especially difficult to eat around others. These factors can result in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), which can hinder an Autist’s ability to meet their nutritional needs.)

Dissociation

Price says that many Autistic individuals cope by mentally dissociating from reality. This can manifest as retreating into their thoughts, struggling to recognize physical sensations or emotions (alexithymia), or becoming overly reliant on digital spaces and gaming. Dissociation can help them feel more in control of themselves as well as reducing cognitive load. However, excessive detachment can lead to neglecting their needs and further social isolation. Price emphasizes the importance of Autistic people learning to recognize and honor their feelings and needs.

(Shortform note: Dissociation can take two forms: involuntary and voluntary. Involuntary dissociation occurs when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, which can be the result of overload related to Autistic masking (it can also result from trauma, hypnosis, and certain drugs). Voluntary dissociation is a decision to detach from reality or what you’re feeling in order to cope with it, and some Autists consider it a useful tool in moderation for getting through difficult situations or interactions.)

Exploitative Groups

Some Autistic people seek structure and belonging in groups that exert a lot of control over their followers, such as fringe religious communities, cults, or extremist political organizations. The rigid rules and sense of purpose offered by these groups can be appealing but often lead to exploitation and further isolation. Price describes some red flags to look for in identifying high-control groups that may exploit or manipulate you, including establishing an adversarial relationship between the group and the rest of the world, harsh punishments for small mistakes or incorrect thoughts, violating your boundaries, and quashing dissent with meaningless buzzwords or idioms. 

People-Pleasing

Price also explains that many Autistic people engage in compulsive people-pleasing and “fawning” behavior as a way to avoid conflict and gain social acceptance. Growing up being punished or alienated for their natural traits teaches many Autistic people to prioritize others’ feelings over their own, or to make themselves as unobtrusive and undemanding as possible. This can involve constantly monitoring and mirroring others’ emotions, suppressing their own needs and opinions, and struggling to set boundaries. While this may help avoid rejection in the short term, it ultimately leads to inauthentic relationships and emotional exhaustion. 

(Shortform note: If you’re not sure whether you have people-pleasing tendencies, consider the following questions: Do you say “yes” to every request from others, even if it’s not something you want to do? Do you feel guilty anytime you have to tell someone “no”? Are you quick to take the blame for things, even when they’re not your fault? Do you struggle to stay true to your beliefs in the face of disagreement from others? Experts offer some tips for how to stop people-pleasing: Increase your self-awareness and self-acceptance, recognize the harm it poses to your personal relationships, get comfortable with saying “no,” and ask others for help when you need it.)

Autistic Burnout 

Sometimes, writes Price, others’ demands exceed an Autistic person’s abilities to meet them. When this happens intensely and consistently over a long period of time, they may experience Autistic burnout. This is a condition of perpetual fatigue that can reduce a person’s ability to function in every area of their life. Developing healthy coping mechanisms can help reduce the risk of Autistic burnout, and so can unmasking your Autism.