Supporting Individuals with Masking Behaviour

To a greater or lesser extent, we all engage in masking behaviour. We adapt the way we interact for different contexts, in order to ‘fit in’. This is a normal human response to our innate need to belong, and to adhere to deeply-ingrained societal codes.

However, for some individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, masking behaviour becomes a strategy they employ, either consciously or subconsciously, in almost every situation. Ultimately, this can lead to the complete suppression of their true identity, and have far-reaching consequences for their mental and emotional well-being.

What is masking behaviour?

Masking, or camouflaging, behaviour is a coping mechanism used by individuals to fit in with those around them. Driven by a perceived need to conform to social norms, it can involve a hyper-awareness of other people’s expectations, and excessively controlling the way that a person expresses themselves.

So, what does this look like in practice? It involves, but is not limited to:

• • Forced or unnatural eye contact

• • Preplanning conversations, or ‘scripting’

• • Mirroring others’ facial expressions

• • Reducing sensory reactions to match others

• • Trying to disguise or reduce stimming

Masking behaviour can be difficult to spot, as individuals can become highly skilled at it. Because external behaviour does not match what is going on inside for the child or young person, we can easily miss the distress and dysregulation that is happening internally.

Who engages in masking behaviour?

Masking behaviour is difficult to measure or analyse, as data is not always reliable or readily-available. However, the general consensus among professionals is that it predominantly affects autistic people, and autistic girls in particular.

One explanation might be that girls have an increased sense of social motivation, due to the deep-rooted, sex-based societal expectations of them to be emotionally adaptable. Of course, a consequence of the prevalence of masking behaviour in autistic girls is that they often remain undiagnosed, and miss out on appropriate support as they grow up.

Reasons for masking behaviour

In a world where we all face increasing pressure to act or behave a certain way – to meet social expectations, and ‘blend in’ – masking behaviour can serve many functions, particularly for those who are neurodivergent.

It enables individuals to avoid rejection, and to feel accepted by others; it helps to reduce feelings of discomfort in certain social situations; it enables people to compensate for difficulties they may experience as a result of ASD or ASC; it facilitates the building and maintaining of relationships; and it may even open up opportunities for them, for example, in the workplace.

With so many perceived and actual benefits, it’s easy to understand why, for some people, masking behaviour can become deeply embedded, habitual, and inextricably intertwined with their ‘authentic’ self.

The downsides of masking behaviour

While masking behaviour can present some benefits, some of the time, if a person is consistently ‘pushing down’ their own needs, preferences, and characteristics, it can eventually take its toll on their emotional, mental, and physical health.

It can lead to meltdown or complete shutdown, feelings of isolation, mental and physical exhaustion, burnout, and a sense of self-abandonment or inauthenticity.