- Masking is a strategy used by neurodiverse individuals to hide their traits and imitate neurotypical behaviors.
- Masking can happen anywhere a neurodiverse person feels uncomfortable.
- Common places where masking occurs include workplaces and classrooms.
- Examples of autistic masking include being extremely cautious about others' expectations.
- Examples of autistic masking include suppressing emotions.
- Examples of autistic masking include constantly adapting to surroundings.
- Many autistic people mask to be accepted in spaces that are not neurodiverse-friendly.
- Some people mask unconsciously because it has become a routine.
- Masking can lower self-esteem.
- Masking can increase meltdowns and shutdowns.
- Masking can cause mental and physical harm.
- Masking can increase vulnerability to self-harm and suicide.
Skills and information
Article Summary
Using credible sources on neurodiversity, we have created easy-to-read information for middle school students. Each subtopic includes a short video to explain the ideas in a more visual way. This content helps students better understand neurodiversity, while encouraging awareness, empathy, and respect for classmates with different ways of experiencing the world. Understanding your peers helps create a more inclusive school environment where all students feel accepted.
- Autistic students have many talents that are not celebrated enough in neurotypical spaces.
- Autistic students can intensely focus on one interest and build expertise in a single subject.
- Autistic individuals often have enhanced pattern recognition abilities.
- Many talents, such as mathematics skills, stem from strong pattern recognition.
- Autistic individuals often have enhanced attention to detail.
- Their attention to detail allows them to catch mistakes or notice specifics that others may miss.
- Autistic students are highly dependable and fully commit to tasks.
- Many talented and well-known individuals are autistic.
- Popular autistic individuals include Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Tim Burton, and Satoshi Tajiri.
- Autistic talents and strengths are present in all fields.
- Autistic students have exceptional talents that can be used in many tasks.
- Their talents support success in the classroom and in future workplaces.
Video Link: Four Autistic ‘Superpowers’ You Should Know
Student Testimonies
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- Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior.
- Stimming includes repeated movements, sounds, or actions.
- Everyone stims sometimes, but neurodivergent people usually do it more often.
- Autistic people may stim to calm themselves when they feel stressed or anxious.
- Stimming can help autistic people deal with too much sensory input, such as loud noises.
- Stimming can also help people express strong feelings, like frustration or excitement.
- Stimming is a natural part of life for many autistic people.
- Sometimes a stim can cause harm or make daily activities difficult.
- Occupational therapy can help when this happens.
- Occupational therapists help people better manage sensory experiences.
- The goal of therapy is not to stop stimming.
- The goal of therapy is to help people find safer ways to cope if a stim is causing harm.
Video Link: What Is Stimming? | Autism And Me
More coming soon
Resources
Exploring the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity within the pharmaceutical industry
Pattern unifies autism
What you are hiding could be hurting you: autistic masking in relation to mental health, interpersonal trauma, authenticity, and self-esteem
Masking emotions: Face masks impair how we read emotions
For autistic adults, it’s not just about challenges!
Camouflaging autistic traits comes with costs
All about stimming!
Beyond self-regulation: Autistic experiences and perceptions of stimming
Masking
A guide to understanding stimming
Toward a more comprehensive autism assessment: the survey of autistic strengths, skills, and interests