Masking in autism in adults

Written and professionally reviewed by Felix Enghoff Klich, authorised psychologist
Last updated: September 2026

Masking – also called camouflaging – describes the strategies autistic people may use, consciously or unconsciously, to hide or compensate for their autistic traits. The purpose is often to fit in, avoid negative reactions or live up to the social expectations of those around them.

A person may therefore appear socially capable and at ease, even though social situations require great concentration and considerable mental energy. For some, the strategies become so automatic that they are not aware of how much they adapt.

Long-term masking can be associated with stress, mental exhaustion, lower self-esteem and a feeling of not being able to be yourself. For some, the strain can contribute to autistic burnout. Masking can also make autistic traits less visible and be one of the reasons why autism is only discovered in adolescence or adulthood.

What does masking in autism mean?

Autistic masking is about trying to hide, control or compensate for traits associated with autism. It can be a deliberate action or a more automatic adaptation developed over many years.

Some learn, for example, to imitate other people's facial expressions and body language. Others prepare in advance what they want to say, or closely observe how others behave in social situations. Masking can also consist of suppressing natural reactions to sensory input, uncertainty or overload.

Camouflaging can make it easier to function in certain contexts. However, it does not necessarily mean that the underlying challenges have disappeared. There can be a big difference between how the person appears on the outside and how the situation is experienced on the inside.

How can autistic masking show?

Masking can look different from person to person. Examples include:

• Imitating other people's facial expressions, body language or way of speaking
• Forcing yourself to make eye contact
• Learning social rules and conversation patterns by heart
• Preparing conversations or possible answers in advance
• Copying people who seem socially skilled
• Suppressing repetitive movements or other forms of self-regulation
• Hiding sensory discomfort from, for example, sound, light, touch or smells
• Not saying when you are confused, overloaded or need a break
• Using humour, politeness or a particular social role to navigate being with others
• Analysing conversations thoroughly both before and after they have taken place

Some experience having different social versions of themselves depending on who they are with. They may be very aware of their tone of voice, facial expressions and reactions, while at the same time being unsure whether they are behaving "correctly".

After social activities, a long period of recovery may be needed. This can contrast with others' impression that the person handled the situation without difficulty.

Why do autistic people mask?

Masking often develops as a way of protecting oneself and navigating environments where autistic ways of communicating and reacting are not always understood.

Some have previously experienced being corrected, teased, rejected or misunderstood. Others have been told to pull themselves together, be more social, look people in the eye or react differently. Over time, the person may learn that certain sides of them should be hidden.

Masking can be motivated by, among other things, a wish to:

• Avoid bullying, criticism or social rejection
• Make friends or enter romantic relationships
• Function in education or at work
• Be seen as polite, interested or competent
• Avoid negative reactions to autistic traits
• Feel part of a community

Masking is therefore not necessarily a free choice. For some, it feels like a necessary strategy to be able to function socially or professionally.

Masking in women and adults with autism

Autism can present in different ways, and some people are only assessed for autism as adolescents or adults. This applies, among others, to people who developed effective strategies early on to compensate for their difficulties.

Masking is often associated with autism in women, because many women report that their autistic traits were overlooked while growing up or interpreted as, for example, shyness, sensitivity, perfectionism, anxiety or social insecurity. However, masking occurs across genders and is not limited to women.

Some may have learned social rules by carefully observing others or by copying particular people. They may have relationships and do well academically, but at the same time experience great inner insecurity, exhaustion or difficulty understanding their own needs.

The fact that a person can make eye contact, hold a conversation, have friends or function at work is therefore not in itself a sign that autism is absent. What matters includes how this works over time, how intuitive it feels and how many resources it requires.

What consequences can long-term masking have?

Masking can be a helpful strategy in certain situations, but it can also be draining. When a person constantly monitors and corrects their behaviour, it can require considerable mental capacity.

Possible consequences include:

• Mental and physical exhaustion
• Stress and persistent tension
• Anxiety or depressive symptoms
• Lower self-esteem
• Uncertainty about your own identity
• Difficulty sensing and expressing your own needs
• Need for extensive recovery after socialising
• Increased sensory sensitivity under strain
• Autistic burnout

Research has found associations between high levels of masking and, among other things, anxiety, depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem and a weaker sense of authenticity. It is important to stress that these are associations, and that the experience of masking varies from person to person.

What is autistic burnout?

Autistic burnout is often described as a state of extensive exhaustion in which the person's previous strategies and level of functioning can no longer be maintained. The concept was developed with a significant contribution from autistic people's own experiences and is not yet a separate clinical diagnosis.

Autistic burnout can show, among other things, as:

• Markedly less energy and capacity
• A greater need to withdraw from social activities
• More or more pronounced autistic traits
• Increased sensitivity to sensory input
• Difficulties with planning, concentration and daily tasks
• Temporary loss of skills the person could previously use
• A greater need for predictability, breaks and recovery

Autistic burnout can resemble stress or depression, and the conditions can also occur at the same time. It is therefore important to make an individual assessment rather than explaining the symptoms by one concept alone.

Can masking make autism harder to detect?

Masking can make it more difficult for both the person and those around them to recognise signs of autism. If you mainly look at outward behaviour, the underlying difficulties can be overlooked.

One person may, for example, appear outgoing but spend a long time preparing before social activities and be completely exhausted afterwards. Another may have learned to make eye contact but find it uncomfortable and struggle to concentrate on the conversation at the same time.

In a thorough autism assessment, it is therefore relevant to examine more than what can be observed directly. The assessment should also include the person's developmental history, experience of social situations, sensory profile, need for structure and the strategies used to compensate for difficulties.

How can you reduce the need to mask?

Reducing masking – sometimes referred to as unmasking – is not necessarily about removing all learned strategies. Some strategies can be helpful and give the person more freedom of action. The key is that adapting does not come at the expense of well-being, identity and your own limits.

It can be helpful, among other things, to:

• Become more aware of when and why you mask
• Notice signs of overload and the need for recovery
• Make room for breaks before and after demanding activities
• Adjust your surroundings with less noise, fewer interruptions or more structure
• Communicate your needs more clearly
• Allow room for natural ways of regulating yourself
• Choose relationships and environments where you feel safe and accepted
• Work on self-understanding and acceptance of your own neurotype

It is not always safe or possible to mask less in every context. The process should therefore happen gradually and with respect for the person's specific life situation.

Masking is not the same as autism

Many people adapt their behaviour in social settings. Masking is therefore not in itself enough to determine whether a person has autism.

In autism, one looks for a broader and persistent pattern that can be traced through the person's development. This can include differences in social communication and reciprocity, a need for predictability, repetitive behaviour or interests, and different sensory processing.

Similar experiences can also be seen in, among others, ADHD, social anxiety, trauma, depression or long-term stress. An assessment must therefore be holistic and examine several possible explanations.

Are you considering an autism assessment?

If for many years you have spent a lot of energy reading others, preparing for social situations or hiding your reactions, it may raise questions about autism. This applies both if you already have an autism diagnosis and if you have not yet been assessed.

At Nordisk Psykiatri we offer a thorough autism assessment . The assessment is based on your developmental history, current functioning and individual experience. We look both at visible autistic traits and at the strategies you may have developed to compensate or mask.

The aim is to create a nuanced understanding of your resources, challenges and needs – regardless of whether the assessment leads to an autism diagnosis or points to other explanations.

Also read: signs of autism in adults, AuDHD and sensory sensitivity in autism.

Frequently asked questions about autism and masking

Is masking a sign of autism?

Masking can occur in autistic people, but it is not in itself proof of autism. A diagnostic assessment looks at an overall pattern of traits, the person's developmental history and level of functioning across different areas.

Can you mask without knowing it?

Yes. Over time, masking can become so automatic that the person no longer experiences the strategies as conscious. Some only become aware of their masking during an autism assessment or after a long period of stress and exhaustion.

Do all autistic people mask?

No. The extent and form vary considerably. Some mask a lot in certain environments, while others do so to a lesser extent or not at all.

Is autistic masking most common in women?

Masking occurs in people of all genders. The concept is often highlighted in relation to women, because autistic traits in some women can appear less obvious and are therefore discovered later. However, one should not assume that masking only occurs in women.

Can masking lead to autistic burnout?

Long-term masking can be one of several strains that contribute to autistic burnout. Other factors can be persistent sensory overload, insufficient support, many changes and demands that exceed the person's available resources.

Can you get help even if you already have an autism diagnosis?

Yes. Psychoeducation and a course of treatment based on your needs can, among other things, support work on self-understanding, balancing strain, setting boundaries and appropriate adjustments in everyday life.

Sources and further reading

The article is based on, among other things, research on autistic camouflaging and autistic burnout, including studies of autistic adults' own experiences:

• Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions
• Autistic Masking in Relation to Mental Health, Interpersonal Trauma, Authenticity, and Self-Esteem
• A Conceptual Analysis of Autistic Masking
• Defining Autistic Burnout