Masking

 Masking or camouflaging is a technique that neurodivergent people use to fit into the social environment that they are in (National Autistic Society, n.d.; Miller, Rees & Pearson, 2020). 

Some reasons that people mask are to promote acceptance, avoid prejudice, prejudice or discrimination, hide discomfort, compensate for differences in socialising and communication and to make or maintain relationships (National Autistic Society, n.d.; Halsall et al., 2021). 

Masking can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for the person (Miller, Rees & Pearson, 2020). Masking will only be maintained whilst the person has the cognitive capacity to do it (Halsall et al., 2021). This is why children who have been at school all day may totally melt down when they return to their parent or their home where they consider themselves safe again (Miller, Rees & Pearson, 2020). 

Masking can also lead to the interoceptive part of the sensory system becoming desensitised. This means that by the person oppressing their emotional/physical needs such as not going to the toilet at school they can actually prevent their brain from recognising physical or emotional needs that they have.

This strategy can be used across a range of situations and with a range of people. The benefits of masking include feelings of increased protection or safety, making and keeping friends or partners, being accepted at work or school and building confidence  (National Autistic Society, n.d.; Halsall et al., 2021). 

Whānau and educators need to support neurodivergent mokopuna by providing the following accommodations (Adapted from National Autistic Society, n.d.):

• allow time for recovery from social interactions

• use an energy accounting method to check in about how the person is feeling e.g. the spoons theory and reduce demands

• pursue diagnosis 

• support the child to think about who they are behind the mask and help them embrace their true self and strengths

• create safe zones at school for self-regulation e.g. a sensory room or corner, movement breaks, additional break times.

Please find below some helpful videos and websites about masking from the perspective of Autistic and ADHD people.