Masking: What it is, signs, and how to stop doing it

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Masking is when someone hides or suppresses their neurodivergent traits to blend in and meet what society sees as 'normal' behaviour. It's widely observed in people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD.

This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/features/brain-nerves/breaking-free-from-masking-how-to-understand-and-overcome-it
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I’m in two minds about this. Is it suggesting that one should be more assertive in exhibiting neurodivergent behaviour, even if that may offend and/or embarrass other people? :thinking: For example, the recent Tourette’s incident at the BAFTAs springs to mind.

How about if the individual wants to “mask” as a method of trying to develop a more “reasonable” personality, not just to “fit in” but to be the person they wish to be, rather than what their condition or illness is forcing them to be?