Скачать или смотреть This Happens Way too Often

Autistic masking is the process of consciously or unconsciously hiding traits of autism in order to blend in with others. Many autistic women become skilled at this from a young age, mimicking social behaviors, copying expressions, or forcing themselves to follow unspoken rules in order to avoid standing out. While masking can help them navigate school, friendships, or work, it often comes at a heavy cost — exhausting mental effort, stress, and a sense of disconnect from their authentic selves.
Because these women are outwardly able to “fit in,” their underlying struggles often go unnoticed. Teachers, parents, and even healthcare professionals may not recognize the signs of autism beneath the mask. As a result, many women do not receive a diagnosis until much later — often in their mid-twenties or early thirties, when the demands of adult life make masking harder to sustain or when burnout forces them to seek answers. This delayed recognition means that support and understanding frequently come years later than they should, highlighting the need for greater awareness of how autism can present differently across genders.

#masking #neurospicy #neurodiverse