Masking

The conscious or unconscious process by which neurodivergent individuals — particularly autistic people — suppress their natural behaviours, communication styles, and reactions to conform to neurotypical social expectations. Masking includes monitoring and adjusting facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and conversational style to appear more "normal." While masking can facilitate social acceptance and professional success, it requires significant cognitive effort, contributes to burnout, anxiety, and loss of identity, and is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. In technology design, understanding masking raises ethical questions about whether assistive tools should help users mask more efficiently or instead promote acceptance of diverse communication styles.