What Is Masking?

Masking is the act of camouflaging or suppressing neurodivergent traits in order to conform to social expectations. It can be conscious or unconscious—and while it might help someone "fit in" temporarily, it often leads to burnout, identity confusion, anxiety, and depression. Masking isn’t about faking who you are. It’s about protecting yourself in environments where being authentic has felt unsafe or misunderstood.

April is Autism Awareness Month—a time to educate, uplift, and empower. At Path2Growth, we are committed not only to spreading awareness about autism but also to advocating for those who have been historically underserved and misdiagnosed, particularly within communities of color and immigrant families.