Masking (The Pressure of Fitting In: Understanding Neurodivergent Masking with Carly Considine)

"Masking is a form of trying to fit into social norms—pretending to be someone you're not. It comes at a cost: burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob welcomes back advocate Carly Considine for another insightful conversation about masking within the neurodivergent community. Carly shares her experiences as an autistic adult and mother of two autistic daughters, offering a candid perspective on how masking can lead to burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Together, they discuss where masking is most prevalent, why some individuals find it helpful, and the importance of creating safe spaces where people feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Carly also shares her thoughts on navigating social expectations and highlights the value of listening to neurodivergent voices when fostering inclusion and acceptance. Key Takeaways: Teach children about inclusion from an early age. Listen to the neurodivergent community and act inclusively. Some individuals may find masking helpful—it's a personal choice. Recognise that masking can lead to burnout due to the pressure to conform. "We should be allowed to be our authentic selves without feeling the need to fit in to meet societal expectations." About Carly: Carly Considine is an autistic adult from England, diagnosed in 2015, and a mother to two autistic daughters diagnosed in 2019. Carly previously volunteered for the National Autistic Society, co-running the South Wiltshire Branch. She now advocates online, sharing her insights on female autism traits and comorbid conditions like ADHD. Carly is currently pursuing qualifications to further her advocacy work and support the neurodivergent community. Learn more about _Achievable Journey Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and _X. Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.