Neurodivergence and Masking
Masking is a defense mechanism that individuals use to hide aspects of themselves in order to fit in with those around them and avoid potential harm. Human beings are social creatures and being “part of the group” helps us establish safety. Like other compensatory behaviors, masking typically develops in response to social pressure and can be seen as a coping mechanism, or in extreme cases, a trauma response. Neurodivergent individuals often employ masking techniques - consciously or unconsciously - as a behavioral strategy to suppress or change their natural behaviors to blend in with the expectations of a neurotypical world.
When we talk about neurodivergence today we are generally referring to folks with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive or learning differences. The term neurodivergent was coined in 1998 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer to acknowledge that everyone’s brain develops in a unique way. Neurodivergent and neurotypical aren’t medical terms, they are words used to describe people’s brains beyond the binary of “normal” and “abnormal,” which is important because there is not a single definition of how a “normal” human brain works. Neurodivergent people have brain differences that affect the way their brains work, and while there is overlap between neurodivergence and disability, neurodivergent conditions are increasingly recognized as part of the spectrum of human diversity. Neurodivergent individuals often process information, interact socially, and experience the world in ways that differ from the neurotypical population. Neurodivergent individuals typically possess unique strengths that neurotypical folks do not have, such as artistic talent, better memory, strong attention to detail, and so forth.
Masking often comes into play when neurodivergent individuals face social or cognitive challenges in their day-to-day lives. It may be prompted by wanting to avoid judgment, rejection, and bullying, to make friends, find a romantic partner, or to succeed in their career.
In practice, masking may look like someone with ADHD hiding their impulsivity or overplaning for a work meeting to compensate for difficulties with organization. An individual with autism may force themselves to make eye contact with coworkers, mimic others' gestures or facial expressions, memorize conversation topics, or hide stimming behaviors to fit in socially.
Societal expectations play a key role in why neurodivergent individuals engage in masking. From a young age, many neurodivergent people face pressure to conform to norms that prioritize neurotypical ways of thinking, behaving, and communicating - particularly in settings like schools, workplaces, and social groups, where deviation from the norm may be met with misunderstanding or even punishment. Masking can also be seen as a survival mechanism. Fitting in helps people avoid bullying and exclusion and helps build relationships, secure jobs, and maintain a level of social capital.
This level of daily pretend requires a great deal of energy and can lead to fatigue, chronic stress, and burnout. Many neurodivergent individuals report feeling disconnected from themselves and their true identity after years of masking. In some cases, neurodivergent individuals may mask so effectively that those with a diagnosable condition or disability may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, missing out on treatment and legal accommodations designed to make their day to day life more manageable. The same social pressure that leads neurodivergent individuals to engage in masking may also prevent them from advocating for the support that they need be it in the workplace, classroom, or their friends and families.
Understanding masking is essential for both neurodivergent and neurotypical folks alike in order to create more inclusive environments and to allow neurodivergent individuals to feel safe and supported in expressing themselves authentically. Increased awareness can lead to better assessment and earlier, more effective accommodation. Perhaps more importantly, a culture of acceptance and understanding can help neurodivergent individuals embrace their own identities and see their traits as the strengths they are.