Search Results for: masking

What is Masking in Autism? Autistic Masking Explained

Welcome to another installment of the Autism 101 series, where we’re diving into the complex world of autism in adulthood.

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From ADHD Masking to Self-Monitoring: How to Shift from Shame to Agency

Last week, I reflected on my personal complexity when it comes to understanding and embracing my ADHD identity, and I

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How Do I Know if I’m Autistic in Adulthood?

Do you know what I find fascinating (but not surprising)? The fact that last week on Google, the question, “How

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A digital illustration with a white background and a blue border features the title 'Coming Out as Autistic' in bold, dark blue text, with the subtitle 'A Coming Out Kind of Conversation' in a smaller font below. Below the text, there is an illustration of two people holding hands; one person is wearing a pink top and white pants, and the other is wearing a blue hoodie and dark pants. The person in pink is stepping forward, leading the other person out of a blue door with a textured background. In the bottom left corner, the logo for 'Neurodivergent Insights' appears in dark blue text.

Coming Out as Autistic: A Coming Out Kind of Conversation

Identity is a complex thing. We are all made up of multiple identities–some of them diverse, some of them associated

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A graphic from Neurodivergent Insights titled “Misdiagnosis Monday: Social Anxiety vs. Autism” compares overlapping traits and key differences between Social Anxiety and Autism. In the center, shared traits include gaze avoidance, discomfort starting conversations, discomfort with parties, a dislike of being perceived, difficulty interacting with strangers, social withdrawal, and a dislike of unexpected changes. On the left side, under “Social Anxiety,” traits include making initial eye contact but then looking away; a desire to be social that’s disrupted by anxiety; physical signs of anxiety like trembling, a racing heart, shortness of breath, or nausea; fear of being judged or perceived negatively in social situations, leading to avoidance; and heightened sensory and social responses, such as increased sensitivity to noise or visual stimuli when anxious. On the right side, under “Autism,” traits include slower or no eye contact or generally avoiding it; reduced social motivation, often due to being more focused on personal interests and internal thoughts; physical manifestations like repetitive behaviors or stimming, which help self-soothe; discomfort and confusion in social situations, especially in cross-neurotype interactions, often tied to missing or misreading social cues; and difficulty managing sensory and social demands, especially with small talk or overstimulating environments, which can lead to social battery depletion. A note at the bottom emphasizes that a person can experience both social anxiety and autism. The graphic includes the Neurodivergent Insights logo.

Social Anxiety vs Autism

November 15, 2021 Social Anxiety vs. Autism Social anxiety and Autism co-occur at high rates, particularly among high-masking Autistic individuals.

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Avoidant Personality Disorder vs Autism

October 25, 2021 Avoidant Personality Disorder and Autism The amount of overlap between Autism and AvPD is remarkable enough to

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Image titled "Autistic Burnout vs. Depression: Overlaps & Differences," created by Neurodivergent Insights. The center shows a Venn diagram labeled "Misdiagnosis Monday: Depression vs Autistic Burnout," comparing Depression traits, Autistic Burnout traits, and overlapping traits. On the left side under "Depression," traits listed are: Behavioral Activation: Typically responds well to structured and engaging activities. Elevated Worthlessness: Excessive feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing. Depressed Mind: Negative thoughts about the self, world, and future. Depressed Mood: Persistent depressed mood lasting at least two weeks. Sleep Changes: May experience insomnia or excessive sleep. Anhedonia: Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. Suicidality: Thoughts about wanting life to end or about ending one’s life. In the middle "Overlap" section, shared traits listed are: Food and appetite changes. Social withdrawal. Influences interpersonal decision-making. Concentration difficulties. Tearfulness, emotional reactivity more easily. Executive functioning difficulties. Sense of emptiness. Fatigue. On the right side under "Autistic Burnout," traits listed are: Energy Expenditure and Burnout: Excessive activity and behavioral activation may worsen burnout. Sensory Sensitivities: Increased sensitivities to stimuli. Benefits from Rest and Unmasking: Self-care, sensory relief, unmasking, and engaging in interests can alleviate burnout. Loss of Ability to Mask: Loss of masking skills leads to the person appearing “more Autistic” during burnout. Loss of Skills: Decline in executive function, communication, and life skills during burnout. Non-Existence Ideation: Thoughts or feelings of wanting to “not exist” rather than suicidal thoughts. The infographic uses a soft color palette of blue, pink, and white. The Neurodivergent Insights logo appears at the bottom.

Autistic Burnout vs. Depression

*Social withdrawal is typically maladaptive (harmful) in the context of depression, however can be adaptive (helpful) in the context of

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Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Autism

Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Autism The trifecta of Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Autism paints an incredibly complex picture!

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Autism and Anxiety: Its Impact on Autistic People

How Connected are Autism and Anxiety, and Does it Impact Autistics More? Earlier this year, I found myself seeking some

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Autism Awareness Special Edition: The Invisible End of the Spectrum – Girls and Women

April marks Autism Awareness Month, and this year, I’m launching a “Special Edition” series dedicated to highlighting the less recognized

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