In the realm of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a phenomenon called masking has gained attention. Masking refers to the conscious or subconscious effort by neurodivergent individuals to suppress or mitigate their ASD symptoms, driven by the stigma and a desire to appear neurotypical.
Oftentimes, masking has a negative impact on ASD individuals’ sense of self and results in a feeling of disconnect from one’s true identity. This can be a very uncomfortable feeling when, for example, an ASD individual is suppressing their stimming, experiencing social anxiety, or forcing themselves to suppress their feelings and emotions when in an overstimulating environment.
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of masking and its impact on individuals with ASD.
Brian's Story: Unveiling the Mask
To illustrate the struggles faced by individuals, let’s take a look at 21-year-old Brian who has undiagnosed ASD. Brian has always felt like an outsider among his friends and despite their support and reassurance that he is simply more introverted, Brian experiences a deep unease and a sense of being fundamentally different. He’s told his friend group before that he does not understand how it is so easy and natural for them to socialize with others and pick up on social cues.
After some online research, Brian has concluded that he should be tested for ASD. Upon receiving the official diagnosis, Brian realizes that therapy could be a valuable avenue for him to address negative thought patterns, develop positive thinking, and find greater acceptance of himself.
The Benefits of Therapy for Adults with Late ASD Diagnosis
Therapy can play a pivotal role in supporting adults who have received a late ASD diagnosis.
Here are some key areas where therapy can be beneficial:
Self-awareness and Acceptance: Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their ASD diagnosis, gain self-awareness, and foster self-acceptance. It helps them understand that their neurodivergent traits are valid and not something to be ashamed of.
Identifying Triggers: Through therapy, individuals can identify their triggers—situations, environments, or interactions that cause distress or overwhelm. By recognizing these triggers, they can develop effective coping strategies to manage them.
Setting Personal Boundaries: Therapy empowers individuals to establish healthy personal boundaries in various aspects of their lives, including relationships with peers, family, colleagues, and partners. It helps them communicate their needs and advocate for themselves.
Embracing Authenticity: Therapy encourages individuals to shed the mask and embrace their authentic selves. It provides a supportive environment where they can express their true thoughts, emotions, and behaviours without judgment or fear of rejection.
Building Self-esteem and Self-worth: Through therapeutic interventions, individuals can cultivate higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth. They learn to value their unique strengths and contributions, fostering a positive sense of self.
Discovering Unique Coping Mechanisms: Therapy helps individuals explore and develop effective coping mechanisms tailored to their specific needs. These may include mindfulness exercises, physical activities, or creative outlets for self-expression.
Masking can significantly impact people diagnosed with ASD's sense of self and overall well-being. It is crucial for individuals like Brian to seek therapy to release the need for masking and foster self-acceptance. Through therapy, they can develop self-awareness, identify triggers, establish personal boundaries, embrace authenticity, and build self-esteem. By embarking on this journey, individuals can discover their true selves and lead more fulfilling lives.