Masking is about suppressing parts of your identity to meet the expectations of people around you.

It can be unconscious or conscious, and it might be something you can’t just “take off” even when you’re on your own because you are too busy worrying about how you should be.

As Jodie Smitten, autism specialist, says in this video: “It is like a constant internal battle between my authentic self and how the outside world expects me to be.”

Jodie, Kieran Rose (The Autistic Advocate) and Dr Amy Pearson (psychologist) discuss what masking looks like and how deep-rooted it can be.

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