Autism and masking : how and why people do it, and the impact it can have / Dr. Felicity Sedgewick, Dr. Laura Hull, and Helen Ellis.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sedgewick, Felicity, author.

Ellis, Laura Hull & Helen, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Autism.

Masking (Psychology).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (274 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Distribution:

London : Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), 2024.

Place of Publication:

London : Jessica Kingsley Publishers Library , 2021.

System Details:

text file HTML

Summary:

Autistic people often feel they have to present as neurotypical or perform neurotypical social behaviours in order to fit in. So-called 'masking' is a social survival strategy used by autistic people in situations where neurodiversity is not understood or welcomed. While this is a commonly observed phenomenon in the autistic community, the complexities of masking are still not widely understood. This book combines the latest research with personal case studies detailing autistic experiences of masking. It explains what masking is and the various strategies used to mask in social situations. The research also delves into the psychology behind masking and the specifics of masking at school, at social events with peers, and at work. The book looks at the consequences of masking, including the toll it can have on mental and physical health, and suggests guidance for family, professionals, and employers to ameliorate negative effects. With a diverse range of voices, including perspectives across gender, ethnicity and age, this is the comprehensive guide to masking and how to support autistic people who mask.

Contents:

Intro

Autism and Masking

Cover

Of related interest

Title page

Copyright

Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction

1. What Is Masking and Who Does It?

A note on language

A brief history of masking in autism

The camouflage hypothesis

What is masking?

How to identify when and how much someone is masking

Measurement: Internal versus external

Measurement: Self-report

Who masks? (What we know and what we don't)

Are there differences in masking across genders?

When do people start masking?

Is it only autistic people who mask?

What about people who do not mask?

2. How Do People Mask?

Mimicry

Active versus instinctive masking strategies

Learning to lie

In conclusion to this chapter…

3. Why Do People Mask? And Where?

Is it just caring what people think of you? Reputation management

Reasons for masking

So, where do people mask?

Masking at school

Masking at university

Masking at work

Masking at social events

Informal social events

Large events

Not masking with autistic people

4. What Are the Consequences of Masking?

Research into masking and mental health

Risks arising from masking

5. How Can One Help around Masking for Different Groups?

Guidance for parents, siblings and wider family members

Guidance for partners/spouses and ­children (autistic and non-autistic)

Guidance for education professionals

Guidance for healthcare professionals

Guidance for employers

Guidance for autistic people

So, to sum up this chapter…

Conclusion

Glossary

Contributors

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 244-262) and index.

ISBN:

9781805015918

1805015915

9781787755802

1787755800

OCLC:

1287133295