1 definition by PapitasLoup
Masking is a complex and costly survival strategy for autistic people. It generally involves intentionally learning neurotypical behaviors and mimicking them in social situations. Sometimes masking focuses on hiding behaviors that people feel won't be accepted.
In that way its like putting on your "social mask" so you can interact with people efficiently even though that's now how you normally act or would want to act if you weren't afraid of being seen as strange.
In that way its like putting on your "social mask" so you can interact with people efficiently even though that's now how you normally act or would want to act if you weren't afraid of being seen as strange.
Autistic person: yeah I learned early in school that I should just chuckle whenever someone says something weird to me because they're probably making a joke or smiling whenever someone else is smiling so I don't look out of place
Non-autistic friend: ohh so you mean like masking right?
Autistic person: yeah exactly!
Non-autistic friend: ohh so you mean like masking right?
Autistic person: yeah exactly!
by PapitasLoup April 13, 2021