Autism and Masking: How and Why People Do It, and the Impact It Can Have

by Felicity Sedgewick, Laura Hull, Helen Ellis

Overview

Autistic people often feel they have to present as neurotypical or perform neurotypical social behaviours in order to fit in. So-called 'masking' is a social survival strategy used by autistic people in situations where neurodiversity is not understood or welcomed. While this is a commonly observed phenomenon in the autistic community, the complexities of masking are still not widely understood.

This book combines the latest research with personal case studies detailing autistic experiences of masking. It explains what masking is and the various strategies used to mask in social situations. The research also delves into the psychology behind masking and the specifics of masking at school, at social events with peers, and at work. The book looks at the consequences of masking, including the toll it can have on mental and physical health, and suggests guidance for family, professionals, and employers to ameliorate negative effects.

With a diverse range of voices, including perspectives across gender, ethnicity and age, this is the comprehensive guide to masking and how to support autistic people who mask.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787755796
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	12/21/2021
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,144,975
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Felicity Sedgewick is a developmental and social psychologist, and lectures on Psychology of Education at the University of Bristol. Her research focusses on the social lives and mental health of autistic people of all genders, through a variety of research methods. Her work is participatory and aims to reflect the priorities of the autistic community, and making sure that it has impact in the real-world is one of her key priorities.
Laura Hull is a post-doctoral researcher at University College London. Her research focuses on masking and camouflaging in autism, with a specific focus on how these impact diagnosis and mental health outcomes for autistic young people and adults. She is passionate about high-quality, participatory research which has meaningful outcomes for the autism community.
Helen Ellis is an autistic adult who was diagnosed in her early 20s and has spent the past decade participating in various research studies and giving talks about being autistic. Her main areas of interest are employment, masking and burnout, wellbeing, and special interests.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Preface 9

Introduction 12

Ch 1 What Is Masking and Who Does It? 15

A note on language 16

A brief history of masking in autism 18

The camouflage hypothesis 20

What is masking? 22

How to identify when and how much someone is masking 34

Measurement: Internal versus external 35

Measurement: Self-report 38

Who masks? (What we know and what we don't) 40

Are there differences in masking across genders? 42

When do people start masking? 47

Is it only autistic people who mask? 51

What about people who do not mask? 53

Ch 2 How Do People Mask? 61

Mimicry 61

Active versus instinctive masking strategies 63

Learning to lie 70

In conclusion to this chapter… 79

Ch 3 Why Do People Mask? And Where? 82

Is it just caring what people think of you? Reputation management 83

Reasons for masking 93

So, where do people mask? 114

Masking at school 114

Masking at university 120

Masking at work 128

Masking at social events 137

Informal social events 147

Large events 151

Not masking with autistic people 158

Ch 4 What Are the Consequences of Masking? 171

Research into masking and mental health 171

Risks arising from masking 179

In conclusion to this chapter… 187

Ch 5 How Can One Help around Masking for Different Groups? 196

Guidance for parents, siblings and wider family members 197

Guidance for partners/spouses and children (autistic and non-autistic) 206

Guidance for education professionals 210

Guidance for healthcare professionals 217

Guidance for employers 222

Guidance for autistic people 226

So, to sum up this chapter… 226

Conclusion 230

Glossary 233

Contributors 242

Bibliography 244

Index 263

Editorial Reviews

The understanding of masking has been in my thinking regarding the diagnosis of autism for many years. Sadly, clinicians continue to have a narrow view manifested in stereotyped ways. This book rectifies this misconception and addresses the different types of masking and its implications. The excellent combination of research, evidence and anecdotal quotes makes for fascinating reading. All ages are covered together with practical advice on masking in different social situations - crucial for all those working and supporting others on the autism spectrum.

Dr Judith Gould

Autism and Masking is a book that should be on every Autism professional and Autistic person's bookshelf as standard. Masking is dangerously often seen as advantageous "you can act as normal!" but the consequences of suppressing an Autistic person's authenticity can be life threatening. Dr Felicity Sedgewick, Dr Laura Hull and Helen Ellis have created a bible of a masking book that demonstrates why and how masking occurs, how masking leaves Autistic people vulnerable and how to help. A much needed, well-written book that provides a friendly, supportive, and kind experience, demystifying a misunderstood subject for professionals and highlighting the damaging life experience for Autistic people.

Carly Jones MBE