In short: Masking means suppressing or hiding neurodivergent traits — copying others, forcing eye contact, scripting conversations. It can protect you socially, but long-term it is linked to exhaustion, burnout and poorer mental health.
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Autistic masking, also called camouflaging, is consciously or unconsciously hiding autistic traits to fit in. ADHD people mask too — hiding forgetfulness or restlessness.
Examples of masking
- Forcing eye contact
- Rehearsing conversations or using scripts
- Copying other people’s expressions and gestures
- Suppressing stims
- Hiding intense interests
- Over-preparing to hide disorganisation
Why people mask
To avoid bullying, keep a job, make friends or simply because it was expected from childhood. It is often a survival strategy, not a choice.
The cost of masking
Studies link high camouflaging with exhaustion, anxiety, depression and a weaker sense of identity. Masking is also a key reason many people, especially women, are diagnosed late.
Masking and ADHD
ADHD masking includes overcompensating with lists and perfectionism, and staying up late to catch up.
How to unmask safely
- Notice when and where you mask most.
- Unmask first with safe people.
- Allow small things: stimming, sunglasses, leaving early.
- Plan recovery time after unavoidable masking.
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Sources & further reading
- Hull et al. (2017), “Putting on my best normal”: social camouflaging in adults with autism, J Autism Dev Disord
- Cassidy et al. (2018), Camouflaging and suicidality in autistic adults, Molecular Autism
- Embrace Autism — Masking
Last checked: 31 October 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us.