
Advocacy
Masking and Camouflaging: The Where, When and Why by Barb Cook Developmental Educator
Autistic people often mask and camouflage as they feel uncomfortable about showing their true selves, or, to avoid standing out in the crowd. This occurs due to a lack of understanding and acceptance of difference within society, and the autistic person feeling they must hide who they really are, in fear of being seen as odd, weird or strange. There are some differences between masking and camouflaging and when this can happen. Camouflaging is generally seen as trying to merge into the background, not to be seen or stand out to other people. Another term is blending. You are trying to blend in with your surroundings. For example, this could occur at work or school during lunchtime, when trying to avoid talking to co-workers or [...]