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Divergent Conversations
Episode 14: Autistic Masking: The Impact on Mental Health, Identity, Safety, and Privilege
Aug 11, 2023
Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Patrick Casale discuss the concept of Autistic masking, its impact on mental health, identity, and privilege. They explore the benefits and complexities of masking, as well as strategies for unmasking safely. The podcast also addresses the challenges faced in advocacy spaces, the correlation between masking and mental health issues, and the importance of building supportive autistic communities.
52:15
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Quick takeaways
- Autistic masking involves deliberately suppressing autistic traits and assimilating into neurotypical culture, with both benefits and costs.
- Masking intersects with privilege, safety, and race, highlighting the importance of nuance and understanding different experiences.
Deep dives
Autistic Masking and Unmasking
This podcast episode explores the concepts of autistic masking and unmasking. The hosts discuss the research behind these phenomena, focusing on the work of Laura Holt and the camouflage autistic traits (CAT-Q) assessment. Autistic masking involves deliberately suppressing autistic traits, assimilating into neurotypical culture, and compensating by learning social skills through observation. The costs of masking include increased vulnerability to mental health issues, such as burnout and depression, as well as a diminished sense of self and increased susceptibility to victimization. However, masking also offers certain benefits, such as job security, access to education, and reduced bullying. The hosts emphasize the importance of nuance in discussing masking and acknowledge the intersectionality of experiences, particularly for marginalized groups. They also touch on strategies for safely unmasking, such as exploring personal interests and connecting with authentic memories.
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