The Damaging Effects of Masking for Autistic Children
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. Autism is often diagnosed in childhood, and it can profoundly impact a child's life. Unfortunately, many Autistic children are forced to mask their Autism, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health.
Masking is the practice of suppressing or hiding one's Autistic traits in order to appear more "normal" or socially acceptable. Autistic children are often encouraged to mask by parents, teachers, and other authority figures in their lives. This can involve mimicking the behavior of their neurotypical peers, forcing themselves to make eye contact, or suppressing their stims (repetitive physical behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking).
Masking can be exhausting and stressful, leading to several negative consequences for Autistic children. Masking can also have a negative impact on self-esteem and identity. Autistic children who are constantly masking may begin to feel like they are not "good enough" as they are and that they need to change themselves to be accepted. This can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy, making it difficult for them to develop a strong sense of self. In some cases, masking can also lead to dissociation or depersonalization, as the child may feel like they are pretending to be someone else to fit in.
Another potential consequence of masking is social isolation. Many children with Autism struggle with social communication and may have difficulty making friends or connecting with peers. It can be even harder for them to form meaningful relationships when they are constantly masking, as they cannot express themselves authentically. Over time, this can lead to social withdrawal and even further isolation, which can have a negative impact on mental health.
In addition to these immediate effects, masking can also have long-term consequences for children with Autism. Studies have shown that prolonged masking can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can take months or even years to recover from. Burnout can cause various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and difficulty with executive functioning (the ability to plan, prioritize, and complete tasks). It can also make it harder for Autistic individuals to access the support and accommodations they need to thrive.
Unfortunately, masking is often encouraged or even required by society. Many Autistic individuals feel pressure to appear "normal" or "neurotypical" to be accepted and valued by others. This pressure can come from various sources, including parents, teachers, peers, and even media representation of Autism. Until society becomes more accepting of neurodiversity and recognizes the value of Autistic traits and behaviors, many Autistic children will likely feel pressured to mask to fit in.
In conclusion, masking can profoundly impact the mental health of Autistic children. Suppressing or hiding one's Autistic traits can lead to increased stress and anxiety, social isolation, and even long-term burnout. It is important for parents, teachers, and other authority figures to recognize the harm that masking can cause and to support children with Autism in expressing themselves authentically. By embracing neurodiversity and promoting acceptance of all individuals, we can create a more inclusive world and supportive of Autistic children andadults. This can include providing accommodations that allow Autistic individuals to participate fully in society, celebrating the unique strengths and abilities of Autistic individuals, and challenging harmful stereotypes and stigmas associated with Autism. By doing so, we can help to ensure that Autistic children can grow and thrive in a world that values and supports them rather than one that forces them to mask their true selves.
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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