Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of neurodivergent traits in order to appear socially typical. Many adults with ADHD, autism and AuDHD learn from an early age to monitor their behaviour carefully in order to avoid criticism, exclusion or misunderstanding.

 

This may involve rehearsing conversations, forcing eye contact, hiding sensory overwhelm, copying social behaviour or overcompensating professionally despite significant internal exhaustion. Some individuals become highly skilled at appearing organised, sociable or emotionally regulated while privately struggling with stress and cognitive overload.

 

Masking is especially common in women, intelligent adults and individuals diagnosed later in life. Although it may improve outward functioning temporarily, prolonged masking often creates significant psychological strain. Many adults eventually experience burnout, emotional fatigue, identity confusion or chronic anxiety after years of suppressing natural patterns of thinking and behaviour.

 

For some individuals, diagnosis becomes the first time they realise how much energy has been spent simply trying to appear “normal”. Recognition of masking can therefore be an important step towards understanding long-standing exhaustion and developing more sustainable ways of functioning.