How do I know my child is masking?

Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts – that’s what our guests tell parents in this video. You know when your child is not OK, even if their school has not picked up on the signs.

All children are different, but if they change character when they go from school to home, or go into meltdown, or appear exhausted, it might be a sign that they are masking in public.

Sometimes there are smaller clues. They may use self-regulating strategies to decompress when they get home, or show their distress in subtle ways at school.

Parents should give them acceptance and a safe space at home, and advocate for them at school. But that can be difficult, and it’s up to education professionals too to understand and be alert to the signs of masking and distress.
Find out more from our Behind the Mask campaign

Do you need more help and advice?

Our family development service provides support for autistic people and their families pre, during and post diagnosis. The team is committed to providing the right support, at the right time and in the right way to ensure the best outcomes.

The team can offer different levels of support including:

  • Being a listening ear for families seeking information, advice and guidance
  • Refer you to appropriate services (if applicable)
  • Attend ‘team around the family’ meetings and compile reports (for families we are supporting)
  • Conduct home visits (for families living in Newcastle, North Tyneside and South Tyneside)

The team also offer a wide range of free services for families including:

  • Toddler Groups
  • Family Workshops
  • Virtual workshops
  • Support Hubs
  • Family Resources
  • Family Networking
Visit our Family Resources website

Related

What is masking?

Kieran Rose, Dr Amy Pearson and Jodie Smitten explain what is meant by masking, what it looks like and how deep-rooted it can be.

Learn More

Why do people mask?

Masking can feel like a survival strategy in a society where it’s not always safe to be different. Our guests explain why.

Learn More

What impact does masking have?

Mother and daughter Nic and Zoe King draw on first-hand experience to describe how masking can lead to suppression of your own needs and emotions, with the risk of burnout.

Learn More
£30
could pay for venue hire for our Autism Hubs and Toddler Groups to support families across the region.

Make a donation

Click the link below to help us to continue making a positive difference to the lives of autistic individuals, and their families, across the region.

Donate now