.webp)
Autism Behavior Resources: Insights, Strategies, and Support
Autistic behaviors are as diverse and unique as the individuals themselves, reflecting a wide range of ways people on the spectrum experience and respond to the world. Understanding these behaviors—such as stimming, routines, sensory sensitivities, and communication styles—can help foster empathy and create more supportive environments. These resources explores the nuances of autistic behaviors, providing insights into their meanings, the science behind them, and strategies for understanding and embracing these expressions. Whether you're a caregiver, therapist, or simply curious, these resources aims to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the autistic experience.
Recent Articles
Masking Autism: What It Is and Why It’s Exhausting
Imagine you’re hanging out with a group of friends. On the outside, this scenario looks like a typical get-together: Everyone is laughing, making eye contact, and visibly comfortable with one another.
But for some people, there is a very good chance that much of their behavior is the result of masking, or a concealment of their autistic traits. Sure, these people may come off socially at ease, but a debilitating dance is taking place behind their eyes.
“After I've been hanging out with people, I need to take a nap for one to two hours…my brain literally needs to shut off. I feel like a computer that needs to reboot,” says Aura Marquez, an author living with autism.
Marquez says she’s been masking since she was in late elementary school: “It’s gotten to the point where I can’t turn it off.”
Masking autism is how many neurodivergent people navigate a neurotypical world, so it’s important to understand the reasons behind this practice in order to minimize stigma. While masking may provide some benefits, it’s important to also remember the toll this behavior takes on one’s mental health.
That why learning how to also unmask, under the right conditions, is essential to helping autistic people feel comfortable in their own skin. This article will explore options for those who wish to stop masking, as well as support for those who do mask.
