When your child is diagnosed with autism, it’s natural to begin learning everything you can about how to support them best. In this regard, one of the more nuanced aspects of autism is masking—a term that might seem unfamiliar, but understanding it is vital for fostering your child’s emotional well-being and long-term development.
Let’s explore what masking is, how it affects children with autism, and what you, as a parent, can do to support your child.
What is Masking in Autism?
Masking, also known as camouflaging, is when children with ASD attempt to hide or mask behaviors typically associated with autism to fit in better with societal expectations. This can include suppressing stimming behaviors (like hand-flapping), mimicking non-autistic social behaviors, or even forcing eye contact to avoid standing out.
But, why do children mask?
Often, children mask to feel accepted, to avoid bullying, or to manage environments where they feel uncomfortable. For many, masking becomes a way to fit in. However, it can be exhausting and lead to significant emotional challenges over time, such as increased anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Is masking more common in females than males?
Evidence shows that masking is common among high-functioning females with autism. Girls on the autism spectrum may often be more adept than boys at masking or compensating for their symptoms around adults. Being around peers gives them more chances for social interaction, but studies suggest they may still lack the skills to fully connect with others. However, masking affects both boys and girls; in fact, studies estimate that as many as 94% of individuals with autism mask their symptoms at some point in their lives. (Source)
Why Parents Should Be Aware of Masking | Understanding the Nuances of ASD in Children
Masking can sometimes make it harder for parents to understand what their child truly needs. Your child may appear to “cope well” at school or in social situations, but this often comes at a cost. Many children who mask are exhausted by the end of the day or show signs of stress and frustration at home, where they feel safe to “unmask.”
Understanding masking can help you recognize when your child may be struggling internally, even if they appear to be adapting well externally. This insight can inform more supportive responses, allowing your child the freedom to express their true self in a safe environment.
Signs Your Child with Autism May Be Masking
While it can be challenging to spot masking, here are some signs to look out for:
- Different Behaviors at Home vs. Public Settings: If your child seems to be more expressive at home but reserved in public, they might be masking. For example, at home, your child might freely engage in stimming behaviors like hand-flapping or repeating favorite phrases, but at school, they might stay quiet and try to sit still to fit in. This difference can indicate they’re masking to feel more accepted in public.
- Physical or Emotional Exhaustion: After a day at school where your child worked hard to appear “normal,” they might come home feeling completely drained. For instance, they could burst into tears over something minor or retreat to their room to recharge. This exhaustion can be a sign of the mental effort spent on masking all day.
- Anxiety or Avoidance of Social Situations: If your child becomes anxious or tries to avoid events like birthday parties or school gatherings, it might be due to the pressure to act a certain way. For instance, they may complain of stomachaches or headaches before going out, as the thought of masking their behaviors around others causes stress.
Understanding these signs allows you to engage with your child compassionately and find ways to relieve them from the pressures of constant masking.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Masking?
Research highlights the emotional toll of long-term masking; in fact, a study found that prolonged masking can lead to autistic burnout—a condition of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion resulting from the sustained effort to hide autistic traits over long periods. This often includes intense feelings of isolation and anxiety, especially as children grow older.
By recognizing and addressing masking early, parents can help reduce the likelihood of these negative impacts. Fostering a supportive environment can make a world of difference for children who feel they must hide parts of themselves to be accepted.
How Can Parents Support a Child Who Masks?
- Create a Safe Space at Home
At home, let your child engage in calming activities that feel natural to them. For example, if your child likes to bounce or spin when they’re excited, encourage this at home without judgment. Having this freedom helps your child feel comfortable and secure, knowing they don’t have to “mask” their behaviors with family. Creating a supportive environment for ASD at home helps children relax and recharge from the demands of social situations.
- Encourage Open Communication
Try asking open-ended questions like, “How did you feel at school today?” rather than “Did you have a good day?” When your child feels free to express themselves without fear of judgment, they’ll be more likely to share their thoughts and feelings openly. For instance, if your child describes feeling “nervous” around classmates, you can work together on strategies to reduce that anxiety. Open, honest communication fosters a safe space for children with autism to process their experiences without needing to hide their feelings.
- Build Self-Confidence
Remind your child that their unique traits are valued and that they don’t need to change to fit in. Consider this example: if your child has a deep passion for animals or a hobby like drawing, celebrate these interests by displaying their artwork or talking about their favorite animals together. When they feel appreciated for who they are, they develop a strong sense of self-worth, which helps them navigate social settings without masking. Supporting self-confidence in children with autism can actually empower them to interact authentically with the world around them.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy for children with autism can provide invaluable tools for managing social situations comfortably. In this case, a therapist might work with your child on understanding social cues or developing communication skills. Rather than focusing on “fitting in,” ABA focuses on empowering children to navigate interactions in a way that feels right for them. By reinforcing positive behaviors and communication, ABA helps children with autism feel more prepared for social settings without the pressure of masking.
The Role of ABA | How Early Autism Ventures (EAV) Can Help
ABA is one of the most researched therapies for autism, with studies consistently showing its effectiveness in helping children build social, communication, and life skills. ABA interventions play a pivotal role in improving functional behaviors without forcing children to “hide” their authentic selves.
At Early Autism Ventures (EAV), we prioritize child-centered ABA therapy that respects each child’s individuality. Our therapists focus on building adaptive skills that help children communicate and engage confidently. We don’t promote masking; instead, we support your child in learning skills that enhance their ability to interact with the world while remaining true to themselves. EAV also offers comprehensive ABA therapy programs tailored to your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
If you’re worried that your child is masking or you want to help them navigate their social world confidently, we, at Early Autism Ventures, are here to support you. Our focused and comprehensive ABA therapy programs are designed with empathy, focusing on individual strengths and fostering self-expression.
We believe in empowering children by providing them with the tools they need to engage with the world without hiding their authentic selves.
Your child deserves to thrive without the pressure of masking! So, don’t wait—reach out to us today and discover how we can help your child build the confidence to express themselves.
Call us now or schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced therapists. Together, let’s create a world where your child feels accepted just as they are.