What is masking?

Masking is when a child tries to hide or suppress their natural behaviors in order to fit in. This can include copying others, forcing certain social behaviors, or avoiding anything that might make them stand out. On the surface, it may look like the child is adjusting well, but masking often takes a significant amount of effort and can be emotionally draining over time. While masking is commonly discussed in autism, it can also be seen in children with anxiety, ADHD, or other social challenges.