Am I Still Masking?
Vložit
- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Unmasking: when autistics stop hiding their autistic traits and behaviors.
But are you having trouble distinguishing your own authentic autistic behaviors from behaviors influenced by other autistics?
Community Connection Website
www.holisticautistic.biz/
Buy my book "I Think I'm Autistic: an Autistic Community Welcome Packet for Those Questioning if They're on The Spectrum"
www.holisticautistic.biz/shop-1
To subscribe to my Patreon and request video topics:
/ holisticautistic
I used to spend more time when I was masking thinking "Am I doing this because I like or because others said me to do?" than now. I am finally doing things that I feel is natural. I finally can distinguish what is my behavior and what is socially learned.
I had this issue in the beginning as I had lost myself masking neurotypical. I started to analyse my sensory triggers/needs, started to realise who and what I really am, what I can do without compromising myself and my needs to please others. Unmasking/recovery from people pleasing, is to establish boundaries that you need to not burnout.
It is taking a long time to realise needs, set boundaries and keep them, it takes much self awareness and strength.
I don't even know who I am anymore lol.
I had “autistic behaviors” all my life. I always had “systems” for food and how to dress and many other things. All my systems helped me to appear as “normal” and I never felt I was autistic for that. I’m wearing my summer Wednesday dress,has anyone never noticed I dress like that every Wednesday?! But you cannot fake a meltdown, you cannot fake a sensory overload, you can feel it coming,it’s undeniable. What’s authentic?! Don’t know 🤷♀️I try things,try movements,something works then becomes “mine”. Eg. I absolutely cannot go anywhere without my fidget spinner now 😊
I just wanted to let you know that I thought you were clear and you gave me some good things to think about. Thank you :)
Great question and answer!
I think you're very clear and it's been helpful.
I think you said masking is subconscious. Some masking may be subconscious but a lot is conscious.
Autistic identity-difficult topic alright. authenticity even more difficult. The site Unlearning Neurotypical is very revealing. Wonder why so much of autism is caught in masking,and Belonging is seen as fitting in? How does Shame . ..fit in? another spokes person mentioned Harnessing The Power Of Normalizing Difference. Instead of feeling like a failure, own your natural strengths. The temptation is always there towards inauthenticity. Gotta understand the heavy price you pay for that.
You're so good! I love your videos.
I'll catch up with this tonight.
Did you do a follow up on this? Could you please? Thank you