Paddy McGuinness learns about the term ‘masking’ and how it relates to his children with autism. | BBC One

Women are four times more likely to mask their autism compared with men. But why do they do it, and what are the consequences? Karly’s friends didn’t know she had autism, and masking her true self left her feeling mentally exhausted. Emma, an expert from Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) told us there was a name for that feeling. It’s called ‘Autistic burnout’. | ABC News

Every day, I face the challenge of autism masking, a practice that often feels like wearing a costume in my own life. It’s exhausting to hide my true self to fit in. The emotional toll is real—an inner battle between authenticity and conformity. 🎭💔 But it’s essential to break the silence! Learning to embrace my neurodivergent self has been liberating. Here are my top tips for managing the emotional impact of masking: prioritize self-care, embrace your unique traits, and connect with understand

High-masking involves individuals consciously or unconsciously hiding their true characteristics, behaviors, or emotions to align with societal norms or expectations. Often seen in people with conditions like ADHD, autism, or mental health struggles, it’s an adaptive response to avoid judgment or misunderstanding. However, continuous masking can be detrimental. While it might offer short-term social acceptance, the long-term consequences include mental exhaustion, feelings of inauthenticity, and