5 Things You Need To Know About Masking In Autistic Children
Whether it’s using facial expressions that don’t come naturally , mirroring others’, forced eye contact, or reducing visible reactions to sensory sensitivities, masking is a common strategy used by some autistic people in order to blend in and be more accepted within society.
For the approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK , masking can be undertaken consciously or unconsciously, but it is best described as when an autistic person makes efforts to manually act in ways that come naturally to non-autistic people, to meet social expectations and blend into society. Studies have estimated that up to 94% of people with autism have or will attempt to mask their symptoms at some point during their lives. Masking is particularly common among autistic girls and can have significant implications for their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Masking can therefore be an exhausting effort which can lead to autistic burnout and other mental health issues. Other implications can include a loss of sense of self and of self-worth, which can also impact on mental health, leading to depression and other disorders is another effect of masking. So what can be done to support children who are masking?
Below , Rebecca Varrall, Specialist Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director of Neurodiversity Unravelled, gives her five top tips on supporting masking in autistic children.
- Promote acceptance and understanding: Educators and parents can help foster an environment of acceptance, where all students feel valued for who they are. This includes educating everyone about neurodiversity to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
- Encourage open communication: Girls should feel safe to express their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins, both at home and school, can help identify any struggles they may be masking.
3. Provide appropriate accommodations: Schools should offer accommodations that allow autistic girls to manage their stress and workload. This might include sensory breaks, flexible seating, or modified assignments.
4. Recognise and validate their experience: It’s important to acknowledge the effort that goes into masking and validate the emotional toll it takes. Acknowledging their struggles can help autistic girls feel seen and supported.
5. Encourage authentic social interactions: Encouraging girls to engage in social interactions that align with their true selves can help build their confidence and reduce the need to mask. This might involve small group activities or finding shared interests with peers.
About the author
Dr Rebecca Varrall is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and co-director of Neurodiversity Unravelled, which supports families and individuals in navigating neurodivergent conditions, with compassion, clinical expertise and authenticity to empower and enable the best outcomes.
Rebecca has worked in the NHS and privately with children, families and adults for the last 15 years. She trained at UCL and worked at the Social Communication Disorders Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital before moving to community practice. She is a guest lecturer on the UCL Child Mental Health and Adult Mental Health MSc courses.
