Behind the Mask: Understanding Autism Masking

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects approximately 1 in 44 people in Canada [1]. People with autism bring an incredible range of strengths, including creativity, artistic talent, and strong mathematical thinking [2]. At the same time, some people with autism may experience challenges with social communication, sensory sensitivities, or adapting to change.

Because the world isn't always designed with neurodiversity in mind, many people with autism learn to "mask" certain behaviours to fit in, avoid judgment, or make social situations easier to navigate [3]. Sometimes this happens intentionally, and sometimes it becomes so automatic that they don't even realize they're doing it.

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at masking behaviours. We'll explore what they are, why they develop, and why constantly wearing a "social mask" can become exhausting over time.

What Are Masking Behaviours?

Masking behaviours are the conscious or unconscious ways that people with autism change or hide aspects of themselves to blend into a predominantly neurotypical world [3]. Think of it like putting on a costume or following a movie script. Individuals with autism learn how to hide or change aspects of themselves in order to fit a certain narrative.

Masking behaviours include adjusting behaviours (i.e., facial expressions, arm movements, eye contact) or communication styles (i.e., avoiding certain topics that may highlight autistic traits) to avoid standing out or being misunderstood.

Here are some examples of what masking may look like in everyday life:

Situation 1: Joining a conversation with a group of people

A person with autism may feel unsure about when to speak or what to say. They may mask by watching how others interact, copying conversational styles, or rehearsing what they want to say before joining in.

Situation 2: Being in a busy or overwhelming environment

A person with autism may experience sensory discomfort from noise, lights, or crowds. They may mask by hiding their discomfort, appearing calm on the outside, or avoiding showing that they need a break.

Situation 3: Following social expectations

A person with autism may find certain social behaviours challenging or unnatural. They may mask by forcing eye contact, practicing facial expressions, or adjusting their body language to match what others expect.

Situation 4: Starting a new job or attending school

A person with autism may want to make a good impression or avoid standing out. They may mask by carefully observing how others behave, copying workplace or classroom routines, or hiding behaviours that help them regulate (e.g., arm or facial movements).

Situation 5: Making friends or building relationships

A person with autism may want to connect with others but find some social interactions challenging. They may mask by adapting their interests, communication style, or personality to match the people around them.

Why Do Masking Behaviours Develop?

Masking behaviours develop for many different reasons [4]. For many people with autism, masking can be a way to navigate everyday situations, connect with others, and participate in a world that may not always understand or accommodate neurodiverse ways of thinking and communicating.

It is important to remember that masking behaviours do not mean that people with autism are being "fake." Masking is often a way of adapting to social situations and communicating in a world where expectations are not always designed with neurodiversity in mind. 

Some reasons masking behaviours develop include:

• To build connections and feel accepted: Changing or adjusting behaviours to make social interactions easier and feel included by others.

• To navigate social expectations: Learning social rules, such as how to start conversations, make eye contact, or respond in certain situations.

• To reduce misunderstanding or negative experiences: Avoiding judgment, stigma, bullying, or feeling misunderstood by others.

• To manage environments that are not autism-friendly: Adjusting to places where sensory needs, communication styles, or personal preferences may not be recognized or supported.

• To achieve personal goals: Using strategies that help with things like school, work, friendships, or participating in activities they enjoy.

  
  

The Consequences of Masking

While masking can help people with autism navigate social situations and participate in everyday activities, constantly adjusting or hiding aspects of themselves can require a significant amount of energy [4]. When masking becomes something a person feels they must do all the time, it may have negative effects on their well-being.

Some potential challenges associated with prolonged masking include:

• Mental and emotional exhaustion: Constantly monitoring behaviours, conversations, and reactions can be tiring and may leave people feeling drained after social interactions.

• Increased stress and anxiety: Feeling pressure to act a certain way or avoid making mistakes can create ongoing stress and worry.

• Feeling disconnected from oneself: When someone frequently changes how they act to meet others’ expectations, they may begin to feel like they cannot fully be themselves.

• Difficulty recognizing personal needs: People who spend a lot of time masking may become used to ignoring feelings of discomfort or the need for breaks.

• Low self-esteem: Repeatedly feeling the need to change or hide aspects of oneself may affect self-esteem and confidence.

  
  

Putting It Into Perspective

Masking is not about being “fake” or trying to deceive others. For many people with autism, it is a way of navigating a world that may not always understand or accommodate their needs. While masking can help people feel accepted and included, constantly hiding parts of themselves can become exhausting over time.

Together, we can support people with autism by increasing our understanding, celebrating differences, and creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. This can include listening without judgment, allowing people to communicate in their own way, respecting differing needs, providing reasonable accommodations at school or work, and recognizing that there is no single “right” way to interact or experience the world. By embracing neurodiversity, we can help create a society where people with autism feel accepted, valued, and supported.

References

[1] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2025, December 23). Understanding autism data in the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System. Health Infobase, Government of Canada. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/autism/

[2] Halder, S., Bruyere, S. M., & Gower, W. S. (2024). Understanding strengths and challenges of people with autism: insights from parents and practitioners. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 70(1), 74–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2022.2058781

[3] Cook, J., Crane, L., Hull, L., Bourne, L., & Mandy, W. (2022). Self-reported camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults during everyday social interactions. Autism, 26(2), 406–421. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211026754

[4] National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Masking. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/masking