What are 'masking' and 'camouflaging' in the context of autism and ADHD?

  • Written by: Beth Radulski, PhD Candidate and Neurodiversity Project Manager, La Trobe University
What are 'masking' and 'camouflaging' in the context of autism and ADHD?Shutterstock

Many autistic people and ADHD-ers report using “masking” and “camouflaging” in their lives. This is where people conceal certain traits and replace them with neurotypical ones to avoid being recognised as neurominorities.

This can involve changing things such as

  • tone of voice

  • facial expressions

  • eye contact

  • speech...

Read more: What are 'masking' and 'camouflaging' in the context of autism and ADHD?