Use this visual poster to open a gentle conversation about autistic masking, ADHD masking, and the hidden effort involved in appearing comfortable around other people. It can be printed for a teen’s bedroom, a counselling room, a classroom wellbeing display, or used as a prompt in one-to-one support with autistic children, teenagers and adults who are beginning to recognise their own masking behaviours.
At home, school, therapy or a workplace supervision conversation, this poster can help someone put words to behaviours that are often overlooked. It defines masking as hiding or changing natural reactions, needs or traits in order to fit in, stay safe or avoid judgement, and notes that it is common among autistic people and may also be experienced by people with ADHD, anxiety or trauma.
The page lists clear examples of social masking and camouflaging, including copying how others talk or act, rehearsing conversations, relying on set phrases or scripts, forcing eye contact, mirroring facial expressions, mimicking gestures or tone, and watching others before joining in. These examples may be particularly relevant for autistic teens, late-diagnosed autistic adults, and young people who find social situations tiring or confusing.
Other prompts focus on the emotional and sensory cost of masking: hiding sensory overwhelm, suppressing stims, pretending to understand, staying quiet to avoid standing out, avoiding favourite topics, people-pleasing and pushing through exhaustion. The poster also names experiences that may happen afterwards, such as replaying interactions, seeming fine in public and crashing at home.
Parents, school staff, SENCOs, social workers, counsellors and neurodiversity-affirming practitioners can use the visual as a discussion starter rather than a checklist. Someone might circle familiar signs, identify situations where they mask most, or use the wording to explain their needs to family, teachers, friends or colleagues. Its closing reminder acknowledges that masking can be exhausting and that being yourself is enough.
