Mask or not?
Nodding along in a conversation even though you're confused.
The person is hiding their confusion to avoid standing out or having to explain that they're lost/confused.
What's one common reason neurodivergent people mask?
To feel accepted, safe, or understood. Most masking develops because people want to belong or avoid negative reactions.
What feeling might someone have after spending all day masking?
Tired or exhausted.Monitoring behaviour takes mental energy.
Riley rehearses conversation starters before a party. What is this an example of?
Compensation. Riley is using a strategy to make a social situation easier.
Who might be a good person to practise unmasking with?
A trusted person.
Trust and acceptance help people feel safe being themselves.
You practise what you're going to say before making a phone call. Masking, compensation, or neither?
Compensation. You're using a strategy to help with a challenge rather than hiding who you are.
True or False: People only mask because they want others to like them.
False. Masking can also be about safety, avoiding bullying, keeping a job, or managing social expectations.
True or False: Masking never affects mental health.
False. Long-term masking can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Harper laughs at a joke they don't understand because everyone else is laughing. What is happening?
Masking. Harper is hiding confusion to fit in.
True or False: Unmasking means never adapting your behaviour again.
False.
Everyone adapts sometimes. Unmasking is about having choice.
You stop yourself from fidgeting because you're worried someone will judge you. Masking or not?
Masking. You're suppressing a behaviour that helps you regulate yourself.
Someone hides their stimming because they were teased about it in the past. What might be motivating their masking?
Protection from judgement or bullying. Past experiences can shape future masking.
What is burnout?
Extreme exhaustion from prolonged stress and effort. Burnout affects more than energy—it can impact emotions, thinking, and daily functioning.
Jordan copies the slang, gestures, and interests of a new friendship group. What is this called?
Assimilation. Jordan is trying to blend into the group.
What is self-advocacy?
Communicating your needs and asking for support.
Self-advocacy can reduce the need to mask.
You wear headphones because a room is too noisy. Masking or not?
Likely not masking. You're meeting your needs instead of hiding them.
Can masking be a conscious choice, automatic, or both?
Both. Some people actively choose to mask, while others do it automatically without realising.
Someone says, "I don't know who the real me is anymore." How might this relate to masking?
They may have spent so much time adapting that they've lost touch with their authentic preferences and needs. This can happen for some people who have masked heavily for years.
Sam feels overwhelmed by loud music but keeps smiling and says they're fine. What kind of masking is this?
Sensory masking.
Sam is hiding sensory discomfort.
What's one sign that someone might be safe to unmask with?
They listen, respect boundaries, and don't judge differences. Supportive reactions help build trust.
You copy the facial expressions and body language of people around you so you seem more socially confident. What type of masking is this?
Assimilation. You're blending in by mimicking others' social behaviours.
Why can masking be difficult to stop, even when someone wants to unmask?
It may feel safer or have become a habit.Masking often develops over many years.
Which uses more energy: pretending you're okay when overwhelmed, or asking for support?
Usually pretending you're okay. Hiding needs often requires ongoing effort.
Taylor acts super outgoing and energetic at school, then comes home completely exhausted. What might be happening?
Social masking. Constantly monitoring behaviour can be draining.
What is the goal of unmasking?
To find a balance between being authentic and adapting when needed. The goal isn't to stop adapting completely—it's to have choice and feel accepted for who you are.