🎭Masking is the practice of hiding autistic traits to fit in socially.
🔄Masking can manifest as using social scripts, copying others' behavior, or suppressing stimming.
✨Getting an autism diagnosis after years of masking can be a relief and allow for unmasking.
💡Embracing special interests can bring joy and act as a source of recharge and nourishment.
🌈Autism presents differently for different individuals, and internal experiences are valid.
What is masking in relation to autism?
—Masking is the practice of hiding autistic traits to fit in socially, often by using social scripts, copying behavior, or suppressing stimming.
How did masking delay your autism diagnosis?
—By hiding my autistic traits, it took 27 years for me to receive an autism diagnosis, as people around me didn't recognize the signs.
What is unmasking?
—Unmasking is the process of letting go of the practice of masking and embracing one's authentic autistic self.
How does embracing special interests help?
—Embracing special interests allows autistic individuals to access joy, recharge, and nourish themselves.
Why is it important to understand that autism presents differently for different individuals?
—Recognizing that autism is an internal experience and can manifest differently helps create understanding and support for autistic individuals.
00:00The video discusses how masking delayed the speaker's autism diagnosis for 27 years.
02:42Masking is the practice of hiding autistic traits by using social scripts and copying behavior.
06:29The speaker shares their personal journey of realizing and accepting their autism diagnosis.
10:51The video explains what masking is and how it affected the speaker's life.
15:46Unmasking and embracing special interests have been positive outcomes of the diagnosis.
