🔍Successful high-masking individuals may not appear autistic, making it challenging to spot autism.
🎭Autistic masking is like an optical illusion that hides the inner experience of autistic individuals.
📚Gaps and inconsistencies in certain areas can help identify autistic traits.
🧩Autistic skill set distribution can be spiky, with strengths in some areas and difficulties in others.
⏰Autistic individuals may have inconsistencies in capacity and experience extended low periods known as burnout.
Why is it difficult to spot autism in high-masking individuals?
—Successful high-masking individuals do not exhibit visible signs of autism, making it challenging to identify their autistic traits.
What is the concept of autistic masking?
—Autistic masking is the act of hiding autistic traits, creating an outward appearance that conforms to societal norms.
What are some indicators of autistic traits?
—Indicators of autistic traits include gaps and inconsistencies in certain areas like social skills, knowledge, executive function, and sensory sensitivities.
How does autistic skill set distribution vary?
—Autistic skill set distribution can be spiky, with strengths in some areas and difficulties in others, leading to an uneven distribution of abilities.
What is autistic burnout?
—Autistic burnout refers to extended low periods during which an autistic individual experiences difficulties in functioning, often accompanied by a decrease in capacity.
00:00Spotting autism in high-masking autistic women requires looking beyond the mask and identifying gaps in certain areas.
05:31Gaps and inconsistencies in areas like social skills, knowledge, and executive function can be indicators of autistic traits.
07:58Autistic skill set distribution can be spiky, with strengths in some areas and difficulties in others.
09:26Autistic individuals may experience extended low periods known as burnout, affecting their capacity to function.
09:59Autistic individuals engage in masking to hide their autistic traits and fit in with societal norms.
11:42Validating the experience of unmasking individuals and providing support is crucial for their well-being.
12:59Suggestions for those going through an unmasking journey include seeking support and finding a supportive community.
14:23Further resources and coaching for unmasking individuals are available at Autism From The Inside.
