Autistic Camouflaging: Balancing Individual Strategies and Collective Action
The study of autistic camouflaging (also known as masking) and collective strategies for managing stigma is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a window into the deeply personal experiences of autistic individuals. After years of reading and critiquing autism research, it’s rare to encounter a study that resonates with the realities of autistic life in a way that feels both accurate and insightful. However, a recent exploration of these themes presents a refreshing exception.
A New Perspective on Autistic Experiences
An article I discovered via Instagram thoughtfully navigates the complexities of autistic camouflaging. It frames this behaviour as an individualistic strategy that often leads to social isolation and a dissociation from one’s autistic identity. The author contrasts this with collective, challenge-based strategies like activism and self-advocacy, which not only benefit the individual but also foster greater acceptance and understanding within society. This approach provides a more holistic view of how autistic individuals can navigate a world that frequently misunderstands them.
Camouflaging vs. Collective Strategies
In her study, author Deanna L. Durben explores the dichotomy between individualistic camouflaging and collective challenge-based strategies, shedding light on their implications for both personal well-being and societal change.
Camouflaging, as defined by Durben, is a deflection-based strategy wherein autistic individuals suppress or alter their natural behaviours to blend in with neurotypical society. This approach, whilst often necessary for immediate social acceptance, is highly individualistic and can lead to a dissociation from one's in-group—other autistic individuals—and an attempt to “pass” into a higher-status out-group, typically neurotypical individuals.
Durben states, “Camouflaging is a highly individualistic, deflection-based strategy that involves dissociating from one's in-group and attempting to 'pass' into a higher-status out-group.” This quote succinctly captures the essence of this strategy, highlighting the psychological burden and social isolation that can result from constantly masking one's true identity.
Whilst camouflaging may provide temporary relief from external stigma, it does not address the root causes of discrimination or contribute to broader societal acceptance of autism. The strain of maintaining a facade can lead to significant mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of self-identity. Durben's analysis is supported by the work of Perry et al. (2022) and Marcussen et al. (2021), who argue that ‘deflection strategies’ such as camouflaging may preserve an individual’s immediate well-being but fail to decrease the overall stigma surrounding autism.
The Power of Collective Action
In contrast, collective strategies such as activism and self-advocacy are positioned as more effective long-term approaches for managing stigma. These challenge-based strategies aim to benefit the entire autistic community by confronting negative stereotypes, educating the public, and fostering acceptance. Durben notes, “Collectivist, challenge-based strategies such as activism and self-advocacy aim to benefit one's in-group by challenging negative stereotypes, educating those around them, and reducing stigma.” This perspective emphasises the potential of collective action to not only improve the well-being of autistic individuals by increasing their sense of agency but also to drive societal change.
Engaging in activism and self-advocacy is associated with lower levels of depression and better overall mental health, as these activities empower individuals and help them reclaim their identities. Despite the lack of specific research on the effects of activism on stigma and mental health in autism, Durben’s integration of findings from research on other ‘concealable stigmatised identities’ (CSIs) suggests that similar benefits could be expected for the autistic community.
Implications for Society and Individuals
The significance of this distinction lies in the broader implications for how society approaches autism. By prioritising collective strategies that encourage self-advocacy and public education, there is potential to reduce stigma on a societal level and create environments where autistic individuals do not feel compelled to camouflage their true selves. As Durben concludes, engaging in such collective efforts could be a viable alternative to camouflaging, offering a path that is less detrimental to individual mental health while promoting greater societal acceptance of neurodiversity.
Final thoughts …
Durben's study provides a vital contribution to the understanding of autistic camouflaging and the potential benefits of collective, challenge-based strategies. By emphasising the importance of activism and self-advocacy, her work highlights a promising direction for reducing stigma and improving the lives of autistic individuals. This research not only offers valuable insights for the autistic community but also provides a framework for society to better support and embrace neurodiversity.