One Teenage Girl's Experience of Autism and Masking

I am a 16-year-old girl with autism. I have always known that I was different from other people, but it wasn't until I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 12 that I finally understood why.

The Painted Clown: One teenage girl's experience of Autism and masking.

by Jaiden Baynes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1311 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. People with autism may have difficulty with social cues, understanding and expressing emotions, and making friends. They may also have repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their hands or rocking back and forth.

Masking is a term used to describe the way that autistic people sometimes try to hide their autistic traits in order to fit in. This can be done by suppressing one's natural behaviors, copying the behavior of others, or avoiding social situations altogether.

I have been masking my autism for as long as I can remember. I have always felt like I had to pretend to be someone I'm not in order to be accepted. This has been a very difficult and exhausting experience.

There are many reasons why autistic people mask. Some people do it to avoid being bullied or teased. Others do it to try to fit in and make friends. Still others do it to cope with the anxiety and stress that comes with being different.

Masking can have a number of negative consequences. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. It can also make it difficult for autistic people to develop their own unique identities and to live authentic lives.

I am finally starting to learn to accept my autism and to unmask. This is a difficult process, but it is also a liberating one. I am finally starting to feel like I can be myself around others.

I know that I am not the only autistic person who has struggled with masking. I hope that my story will help others to understand the challenges that autistic people face and to recognize the importance of supporting autistic individuals.

Here are some tips for supporting autistic individuals:

• Be patient and understanding.
• Don't make assumptions about what autistic people can or cannot do.
• Respect their need for space and time.
• Be open to learning about autism and how it affects individuals.
• Advocate for autistic rights and inclusion.

I hope that by sharing my story, I can help to create a more understanding and supportive world for all autistic people.

Additional resources:

• Autism Speaks
• Autism Society
• National Autism Association

The Painted Clown: One teenage girl's experience of Autism and masking.

by Jaiden Baynes

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1311 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE