02/17/2026
Masking of course refers to hiding one’s natural behaviors, traits, or emotions to fit social expectations. Masking is a term often used in the context of neurodivergent individuals, such as a person hiding their autism diagnosis from their coworkers, friends or peers, regardless their reasoning.
But neurotypical people mask too, ever heard the expression, “Put your best foot forward?” That screams masking behavior, as in presenting your “best” that is, your inauthentic self, to put on an act.
But who has it worse, the person with autism who is trying her best to act “normal” without looking like she’s acting, or the newly-promoted shift leader who cheated, but still barely passed his promotion exam, and is now struggling to look and act the part?
So let’s talk about masking; How has masking affected you, either positively or negatively?
