Autistic Masking
Understanding identity management and the role of stigma
Published on 30. June 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-80388-211-6 (ISBN)
Description
Masking is a form of identity management involving consciously or unconsciously suppressing aspects of identity and action. Often seen in socially marginalised groups, it is found to contribute towards poorer outcomes for autistic people and is related to higher prevalence of suicidality, exhaustion & burnout, and mental health difficulties. Though masking has been predominantly framed as a social strategy to 'blend in' with neurotypical (non-autistic) people, emerging research suggests that masking can also form as a response to stigma and from traumatic experiences. Taking an intersectional lens to consider how autistic identity may interact with other aspects of selfhood, the authors will provide a holistic understanding of the most up-to-date evidence with the aim to develop solid knowledge and practice in health and education.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
None
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
692 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80388-211-6 (9781803882116)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
AMY PEARSON is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sunderland and an autistic autism researcher. Her work focuses on understanding the impact of interpersonal victimisation among autistic people, and the relationship between autistic identity and masking/stigma.
KIERAN ROSE operates the Autistic Advocate, delivering specialist training and consultancy in autism and neurodiversity. He is a published research partner with the Institute of Leadership and Management on the experiences of neurodivergent people in employment. He is a Research Associate at the University of Sunderland, co-producing qualitative research into different areas on autism with his research partner, Dr Amy Pearson. https://theautisticadvocate.com
KIERAN ROSE operates the Autistic Advocate, delivering specialist training and consultancy in autism and neurodiversity. He is a published research partner with the Institute of Leadership and Management on the experiences of neurodivergent people in employment. He is a Research Associate at the University of Sunderland, co-producing qualitative research into different areas on autism with his research partner, Dr Amy Pearson. https://theautisticadvocate.com
Content
1. Introduction
2. Setting the scene: social context and background
3. Deconstructing current ideas around masking
4. Stigma
5. Intersectionality: understanding masking as a stress response
6. Masking and gender
7. Masking and trauma
8. Development (of identity; of masking) and processes
9. Mechanisms of masking
10. Projecting acceptability
11. How to (safely) foster authenticity -boundaries, safe spaces etc.
12. Conclusions; summary; moving forward
Appendices: glossary
2. Setting the scene: social context and background
3. Deconstructing current ideas around masking
4. Stigma
5. Intersectionality: understanding masking as a stress response
6. Masking and gender
7. Masking and trauma
8. Development (of identity; of masking) and processes
9. Mechanisms of masking
10. Projecting acceptability
11. How to (safely) foster authenticity -boundaries, safe spaces etc.
12. Conclusions; summary; moving forward
Appendices: glossary