What do we mean by the term ‘camouflaging’?

In a recent training session I attended, the term ‘camouflaging’ was used repeatedly. This raised some questions for me, specifically what is camouflaging in autism and how (if at all) does it differ from masking.

“Masking is not only about hiding my weaknesses; it’s also about hiding my strengths because they are not always well received”

@lisedenmark comment on @autismfromtheinside ‘How to Spot Autism in High Masking Autistic Women’

A quick google threw up a few answers but still I didn’t feel that I could confidently differentiate.

I found some really helpful infographics e.g., Autism & camouflaging (thank you to all the awesome people who can put words into pictures – it helps so much ) which has helped me to understand that camouflaging is the term used to describe the behavioural adaptations that autistic people make to fit in with societal expectations.  

This might be in the form of:

• Masking: Strategies to hide autistic characteristics, or portraying a non-autistic person
• Compensation: Using learned strategies to actively compensate for social difficulties 
• Assimilation: Strategies used to try and fit in with others in social situations and avoid social exclusions

People can camouflage consciously or unconsciously  and this can lead to a person’s internal lived experience and their external presentation being very different.  Unsurprisingly studies have found that camouflaging can impact negatively on mental health, self perception and access to care.

Camouflaging can have both positive and negative effects:

• Positive effects: Camouflaging can help with protection and resiliency.
• Negative effects: Camouflaging can cause exhaustion, anxiety, and mental problems. It can also affect self-perception, access to care, and mental health in the long term.

Some techniques that might help autistic people who camouflage:

• Purposefully unmask in safe environments and see what happens
• Note situations where you mask and how you feel
• Speak to a therapist or professional for support 

I am really looking forward to a time (and it can’t come soon enough) when we don’t have to learn new terms like this because we all feel free to be ourselves.