Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously to ‘fit in’.  They behave in a certain way to get others to like them or because they think this is what they should be doing.  They may also mask to stop them feeling as though they stand out.  Many autistic people say they only take the ‘mask’ off when they are at home.

Masking can be really tiring and damage self-esteem in the long term because they are not being their true self.  Long term it can lead to autistic burnout if they are not getting a break from masking.

Masking can add to feelings of stress and anxiety, but they may ‘appear fine’ so their needs are not always recognised.  Some may end up eventually withdrawing from school or other situations they are finding stressful.