Episode 14: Autistic Masking: The Impact on Mental Health, Identity, Safety, and Privilege

There are a lot of nuances of Autistic masking, and it's become a sensitive and polarizing topic these days online and in social media. With all the various opinions, information, and anecdotes out there, it can be confusing to understand what masking is, and how privilege and different social identities intersect with the experience of unmasking. Masking and unmasking impacts mental health, identity, and relationships in significant ways. In this episode, Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Patrick Casale, two AuDHD mental health professionals, delve deep into the concept of Autistic masking as well as share their personal experiences with masking. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand how autistic masking is not just about blending in, as well as how it can be both beneficial and harmful. Identify ways that privilege, safety, and race intersect with masking. Learn strategies to address burnout caused by masking and, if desired, to unmask if you are in a position and place to do so. Masking can be a very charged and complex topic, so now, more than ever, we need to delve deeper into the complexities of autistic masking and promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity. Resources: Blog Post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/what-is-masking-in-autism You can also grab the Autistic masking checklist when you sign up for Dr. Neff’s newsletter: https://neurodivergentinsights.ck.page/51e276c041 ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️ Spotify 🎙️ Apple 🎙️ YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground ———————————————————————————————— ✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources ———————————————————————————————— 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com ———————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode: Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources