Masking in autistic adults and its consequences

Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder suggests that the current diagnostic criteria does not fully address the aspect of masking, which is more commonly observed in females than males. Masking, also known as camouflaging, refers to the ability to hide autistic symptoms and to use compensation strategies, such as imitating neurotypical behaviour, in an attempt to overcome social challenges and fit in socially. For many autistic adults, masking develops gradually over the years through repeated experiences of feeling different, being misunderstood, or trying to avoid social rejection. While these strategies can help individuals navigate social environments successfully, they often come at a significant emotional and cognitive cost.

What masking looks like in daily life

Masking isn’t simply forcing oneself to make eye contact. Many autistic people report engaging in social scripting, such as rehearsing conversations beforehand, using learned phrases in social situations or preparing responses in advance. While holding a conversation, they may simultaneously monitor and adjust their tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. These behaviours are often learned consciously over years by observing peers, studying social interactions or learning social skills from watching TV. Some autistic adults describe feeling as though social interaction is “performed” rather than instinctive. Others report mimicking the communication style, humour, interests, or personality traits of those around them in order to blend in socially. Sensory discomfort, emotional overwhelm, or stimming behaviours may also be suppressed in public settings to avoid standing out or drawing attention.

Autistic adults who use extensive masking techniques may appear socially confident, articulate, and competent externally, yet feel exhausted at the end of the day. Working in jobs that require teamwork, customer-facing roles, or frequent social communication can lead to significant mental fatigue. Some autistic adults commonly need their weekends to recover and often withdraw from social activities. Over time, extensive masking can become emotionally draining and may even lead to chronic stress.

Autistic people often have intense interests, and when their area of interest aligns with their occupation, they may spend hours researching or perfecting their work, often far beyond what might be required. This can naturally contribute to success in the workplace, and is simultaneously engaging, fulfilling and regulating for the nervous system. On the other hand, small talk and interactions outside their areas of interest may feel effortful and socially draining and over time can lead to chronic fatigue, burnout and feelings of “performing”.

Masking is not unique to Autism

While the term masking is frequently used in relation to autistic females and late-diagnosed adults, masking isn’t unique to autism. Similar compensation strategies are also observed in individuals with social anxiety and a trauma history. For example, socially anxious individuals may rehearse conversations or closely monitor their behaviour due to fear of judgement, while trauma survivors may suppress emotions or behaviours as a protective mechanism. Therefore, masking does not automatically indicate autism. The main diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder include persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions across multiple contexts, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities, and sensory experiences. These symptoms must be present in the early developmental period and cause significant impairment across important areas of functioning. Understanding masking is important because some autistic adults may appear socially capable externally while experiencing substantial internal effort and exhaustion that may otherwise be unrecognised.

Carolin Hayes

Registered Psychologist

B Psych Sci (Hons), M Prof Psych, MAPS

Carolin is a Registered Psychologist who undertakes Autism and ADHD assessments at Clinical Therapy. She is passionate about working with adults, helping them understand the multifaceted interactions of neurodivergent brain styles and life experiences, which often include a history of a feeling of not fitting in, bullying and sometimes childhood trauma.