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AUTISM GLOSSARY
High-Masking
DEFINITION
High-masking describes autistic people who are particularly skilled at concealing autistic traits in social situations. High-masking individuals often receive later diagnoses, are more likely to be female or gender-diverse, and are at higher risk of burnout.
WHY IT MATTERS
High-masking autism is frequently undetected by diagnostic tools calibrated to recognize more visible presentations. High-maskers are often told they 'don't look autistic' — which reflects the diagnostic tools' limitations, not their experience.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
High-masking does not mean mild autism. The energy spent masking is invisible to observers but profoundly costly. 'High-functioning' language often masks (pun intended) significant support needs.