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Problems with the terms high functioning and low functioning to describe autism

Problems with the terms high functioning and low functioning to describe autism

When you use those terms you are subconsciously creating a caste type hierarchy/system where the people labeled as high functioning get better treatment and more opportunities than those who are labeled as solely autistic or are labeled low functioning, leading to the Matthew effect.

I've noticed that it has come to the point where almost everyone who is verbal claims they are high functioning because they see the people who have the labels of high functioning and Aspergers getting preferential treatment as mentioned a few sentences earlier.

There is no universal consensus of what should be considered high functioning as of today: as people like Temple Grandin (who was labeled as severe during childhood) have achieved more than some people who were labeled as mild during childhood yet never had any motivation to go to a university or trade school.

A few years ago I saw a video of Edward Snowden saying something along the lines of high functioning should be used to describe people like the "MIT whiz kids" as opposed to everyone that's not intellectually challenged, those who can hold a steady job, and those who can hold a conversation--thus showing that there is such a spectrum when it comes to people showing their strengths and masking their flaws.

#Autism #Aspergers #Ableism #Masking #highfunctioning

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I’m new here!

Hi! My name is Original Gingernut… unofficially diagnosed with Autism and ADHD (awaiting official confirmation from GP). But officially diagnosed with OCD and Anxiety.

I am here because I often feel very alone and misunderstood or that I am going slightly mad with each day and I am so very tired of masking and trying to be ‘normal’ #Autism #OCD #ADHD #Anxiety #Masking

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Hi! I'm new here...first post!
I have fibromyalgia and tmj. I came to realise recently that I've been in denial for the last 20 odd years about my fibro and have been constantly masking most of my symptoms. I've burnt myself out countless times over the years.
I'm currently recovering from a tmj jaw op- the severity and difficulty of my recovery has finally opened my eyes to how much I pretend I'm ok and that I really can't maintain this much longer. I'm only 40 but I think I need to slow down and it's frightening to be honest. I'm just so sick and tired of being sick and tired. #Fibromyalgia #TemporomandibularJointDisorders #sickandtired #denial #Masking

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Newbie

Struggling with the balance of telling people how I feel and masking so my illness isn’t a constant topic of conversation. How do you balance? #Fibromyalgia #Anxiety #ChronicDepression #Masking

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Autistic people are often
misunderstood. Throughout my life, I can recall times I’ve been painfully aware when other people didn’t like me for one reason or another. Knowing what I know now, I can’t help but wonder how many of those
reasons were due to a lack of understanding…

#AutismAwareness #Acceptance #Neurodiversity #navigatingneurodivergence #Masking #Trauma # unmasking #Understanding #patience #growth

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BPD-BIPOLAR-THE JOURNEY-THE FEAR

I travelled 18 hours back and forth. With holdall bags larger than me on overflowing trains, sleeping and awaking from startling nightmares whilst aboard. I travelled a lot whilst in Wales. Yet none of it was beneficial.

Picture it. I was 18, confused, trying my best, doing what I was supposed to do.

This was the second coming of my internal struggles.

I have a vivid memory of when I was 11 years old, making myself sick after eating. Staying up after midnight and watching shows like The Villa?! I watched these young, clueless attractive people live out misogynistic nonsense and instead of questioning it I did 200 sit ups wishing I was attractive.

I remember my neighbour who was a few years younger commenting that my body looked weird because I had lumps on my nipples as my breasts were forming and that I stood oddly like my hips were too far forward.

I can remember a family friend making a comment along the lines of, ‘she’s grown into her looks’ when I was 15 years old. I have always had an intrinsic need to be liked and desired as I was under the impression that was my worth.

It wasn’t until I was almost 19 when I had my first near death crisis.

I can vaguely remember friends in my student halls of residence, using pint glasses to put my black vomit from the tiny sink in my room to the shared toilet. There were also a lot of things and actions I don't remember but my flatmates thought it was funny to spell out something along the lines of “Linny and x are lesbains, humping on the kitchen floor.”

I remember being told no one wanted to socialise with me and x cause we always fought (like a married couple).

It could be argued I wasn’t ready to be away from home but it could also be argued that it is what started the slow and painful process to where I am now.

I know what you’re thinking. Where were your parents? They were being spectacular. Working for the then semi functional NHS, saving lives, making a difference whilst also raising three girls. I could make assumptions about them, I could chastise them for decisions but I won’t because I know in my soul they did their best and luckily they’re still around and continue to support me albeit at an arm's length.

I would talk about my sisters more but I feel I have already burdened them with so much. They didn't’ ask to have a Bi-Polar, Borderline Personality Disorder, queer mess as a sister. What I will say however, is I truly regret the trauma I have probably caused them.

I did therapy. I continue to take medication. I am what is considered “stable”.

The fear though.

It never leaves. It is always there. The only time I’m not aware of it is when I am manic and being vivacious and what some consider ‘silly’.

#Bipolar #BPD #Depression #Anxiety #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Old #help #Broken #Recovery #Masking #Relateable

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My mental illness won today.

Finally landed on a reasonable dose of the weed gummies. They greatly decreased my weirdness at work. But it wasn’t enough. Enough to give me hope. But not enough for today to be a success.

The PTSD and OCD win again. All I can think is how long until this employer fires me now. Trying to keep the impermanence quote I read on here the other day in mind. Trying to remind myself it’s none of my business what others think of me. Trying to remind myself that it’s ok to have mental health issues. Trying to stay present and ground myself.

All day in meetings trying to mask and suppress anxiety. Im exhausted. Maybe next time will be a win… #OCD #PTSD #Work #Masking

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Do you know what is #Burnout ?

kindtheory.org does a great job of explaining how burnout occurs:
Masking is a major contributor to neurodivergent burnout. A constant effort to prove one’s worth results in severe burnouts. Some additional stressors include but are not limited to:
• Working or being in an environment that is misaligned to one’s strengths
• Juggling many responsibilities with little assistance
• Disruption in routines
• Frequent masking
Burnouts are real, and can cause physical and emotional health problems. Learn to identify burnouts and provide adequate supports and accommodations to reduce them. Spread kindness. Visit kindtheory.org & their social media profiles for more! #Neurodiversity #Kind #Kindness #KindTheory #Masking #Burnout #ADHD #Autism #Acceptance #Empathy #neurodivergence

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