If you are an adult or teen with Autism, you know it comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to social interactions, communication, and managing sensory sensitivities. Do you ever feel like you have to mask or suppress your natural behaviours to fit societal expectations? This can take a huge toll on your emotional well-being. If it gets to be a struggle for you, counselling can be a place where you can be real about what’s going on for you.
Understanding Masking and Its Impact
Masking is often a response to societal pressure to conform. You may feel you have to force yourself to make eye contact, suppress stimming behaviours, or engage in small talk—actions that don’t come naturally. Over time, this constant effort to fit in while hiding your true self can be exhausting and lead to burnout. The longer you mask, the harder it becomes to reconnect with who you really are underneath.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy provides a safe space where you can explore these challenges and feel comfortable to start unmasking. Our trained therapists can offer support and care, such that you can relax and feel seen, heard and understood. As well, we can offer practical tools to help you navigate life with greater ease:
- Enhancing Social Skills
We can look at which social situations in your life are causing you the most difficulty. Together, we can come up with specific strategies together that you can try out, and we can even role-play them with you so you feel more confident in social situations, without the need to mask.
- Managing Sensory Sensitivities
Your senses are giving you information that can at times feel overwhelming. We have lots of techniques to help you cope with sensory overload, and learn to stay calm and comfortable in overwhelming environments.
- Building Self-Advocacy
Your needs are important and we can guide you in learning to communicate them to others and to set boundaries so you can be heard and valued in your life.
- Addressing Co-occurring Conditions
Many autistic individuals also experience anxiety or depression. Therapy can help you manage these feelings, improving your overall emotional health.
Steps to Unmasking
Unmasking is a personal, ongoing journey. Here are a few tips to help guide you:
- Move at Your Own Pace
Unmasking doesn’t have a timeline. Take small steps when you’re ready, and remember that your safety and comfort always come first.
- Reflect on Who You Are Alone
Notice how you behave when you’re by yourself. This can help you identify what feels natural and authentic, providing insights into your true self.
- Recognize External Influences
Think about the behaviours you’ve adopted to fit in. Recognizing these can help you separate learned adaptations from your authentic self.
- Challenge Internalized Ableism
If some of your natural behaviours feel uncomfortable at first, it might be due to internalized ableism. Embrace behaviours that help you feel calm and grounded, even if they don’t fit societal norms.
- Rediscover Your Passions
Allow yourself to enjoy your special interests. These passions are a big part of who you are, and they can bring joy and creativity into your life.
- Find a Supportive Community
Connecting with others who understand your experience can be validating. Whether online or in person, seek out communities where you can express yourself freely.
- Get Professional Support
Unmasking isn’t always easy, but with the right support, it’s entirely possible. Our therapists can guide you through the process, helping you manage the ups and downs of embracing your authentic self.
Final Thoughts
Unmasking is both challenging and empowering, and it’s a journey worth taking. Therapy can be a valuable tool as you work toward living more authentically, and with the right guidance, you can navigate life with greater confidence. You deserve to live as your true self, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to Ferdie or Khushi at Integrate Counselling today and learn how therapy can help you on your journey to self-acceptance.
