Masking (you may have also heard the word Passing) where the Autistic individual blends in:
- with their surroundings,
- joining in the office banter,
- going to the pub,
- attending the gymnasium
- mingling in public arenas.
- Having to turn their back on their uniqueness to fit in
- Pretending to be Neurotypical
Being taught or forced to make eye contact in these situations is a disgrace. Eye contact on it’s own is a terrible feeling for Autistic people. To watch, and copy neuro-typical people making eye contact naturally is a very dangerous mountain to climb.
High functioning individuals who Mask still have to find some stimulation from their environment to survive the day without a meltdown or shut down. This is why I disagree with High functioning and Low functioning labels.
What Other People Say
People with High Functioning Autism use a variety of strategies to ‘Mask’ as neuro-typical in social situations, a constant effort that can help them build relationships, but can also take a toll on mental health.
Researchers say these compensation efforts may explain why some people on the spectrum, especially girls and women, fly under the radar of clinicians and receive either a delayed diagnosis or none at all. Written by: Liesl Goecker, Managing Director, The Swaddle
Silent Assassin 