Masking: The camouflaging reality

Masking, although has been routinely implemented by many of us to portray a different version of a life we are leaving; can be quite an exhaustive and uncomfortable experience for many growing up with autism. Experts are further pinpointing the fact that in a current scenario where the full spectrum of neurodiversity still needs in-depth understanding; many with autism are struggling to be neurotypical by being socially normal through constant and elaborate effort. Studies have further suggested that this race of perfection may pose a serious threat to self-perception.

Before moving on to understand what are the consequences of masking within people with autism; let’s understand what the masking is and why has it raised concerns in a particular group of people, i.e. people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Before understanding masking, also known as camouflaging in autistic people in the true sense, it is advisable to briefly understand Autism Spectrum Disorder.

What is Autistic Masking?

Experts have suggested that masking is a general behavioral strategy commonly implemented by people with an autism treatment to suppress the signs of anxiety and other features; in a race of being neurotypical.

Sounds unrealistic? No matter how much it does, the fact is that in today’s growing virtual world each one of us tends to regulate our responses; unfortunately, this has created a maximum impact on the autistic generation. As they are often confronted with the choice to suppress their intuitive responses rather than a choice of freedom to freely express themselves. And the worst part is, it is often very difficult to identify some of the general masking traits, adopted by people with autism spectrum disorders.

So, what are the common masking behaviors you should look for in your children while raising them?

· A child is trying to connect socially through forced eye contact

· A child is trying to imitate certain common facial expressions, like smiles or certain common gestures.

· A child is trying to hide his/her interests, career choices, etc.

· A child is trying to script the conversations or is developing a repertoire of weird responses.

· If a child is unnecessarily pushed through intense sensory torture, like loud noises.

It mostly depends upon the child’s inclination to compensate for his/her autistic characteristics and be neurotypical. Some children might

· Try to actively learn social cues from reported forms of media

· Invest a lot of time in monitoring their facial expression as well as body language and try to be their judge.

· They are more fascinated with understanding social rules and norms more rigorously through verbal and social communication adjustments.

Consequences of masking

Studies have indicated that masking, especially for people under the spectrum is very dangerous; to their mental well-being. Certain conditions that are strongly associated with masking include depression, stress, anxiety, negative mindset, etc. Experts further emphasize perfect masking can delay accurate diagnosis; which is largely based on behavioral traits, as per current understanding. Moreover, it has also been suggested that masking can propel communities against acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

So, what are the usual warning signs, each one of us should look for while raising children?

· Growing lethargy

· Unusually increasing irritability and anxiety

· An increased sensitivity or a dramatic decrease in sensitivity to sensory information

· A radical decrease in verbal and non-verbal communication

· Frequently reported meltdowns

· The slowing down of the thought processes

· Increased rigidity

As we have seen that camouflaging in autism is an art, but it can have major consequences leading to depression and the development of destructive nature. In that case, the question may arise to understand a number of ways to unmask the common ways to unmask.

How to learn to Unmask?

Today, the world has understood enough about Autism and people under autism spectrum disorder; this is now the time to change the perspectives by being comfortable and proud of the same.

# Take out your masks; you anyways don’t need to be surrounded by people who know your mask and not you!

# Take out time to switch off all your sensory stimulation, at least once a day; understand what were the difficult situations and how did you deal with the same. Ask yourself a question, was it essential to mask? This is very essential to break you from your sensory urges once a day and allow the brain to re-establish a fresh connection with your body. This will give you the strength to be a better version of yourself.

# one thing that will essentially through you away from camouflaging is accepting yourself as you are! As you have some different strengths that other people do not have and if you would nurture them; they can help you to be extraordinary. So, all said and done acceptance is the key to preventing some of the consequences of autism-induced masking.

Thus, regardless of gender, if anyone you come across children and/or adults with a known history of autism spectrum disorder; make them understand that they don’t need to mask themselves and can be set free, as the world is ready to accept them.

Technology has now increased and various ways, diagnostic tests, and alternative medicines like stem cell therapy have been developed to deal with multiple issues being faced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. What is required is to embrace yourself as you are!