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"Putting on My Best Normal": Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Petrides, KV 
Allison, Carrie 
Smith, Paula 
Baron-Cohen, Simon 

Abstract

Camouflaging of autistic characteristics in social situations is hypothesised as a common social coping strategy for adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Camouflaging may impact diagnosis, quality of life, and long-term outcomes, but little is known about it. This qualitative study examined camouflaging experiences in 92 adults with ASC, with questions focusing on the nature, motivations, and consequences of camouflaging. Thematic analysis was used to identify key elements of camouflaging, which informed development of a three-stage model of the camouflaging process. First, motivations for camouflaging included fitting in and increasing connections with others. Second, camouflaging itself comprised a combination of masking and compensation techniques. Third, short- and long-term consequences of camouflaging included exhaustion, challenging stereotypes, and threats to self-perception.

Description

Keywords

Autism, Camouflaging, Coping, Gender, Sex, Social adapation, Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Self Concept, Social Behavior

Journal Title

J Autism Dev Disord

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0162-3257
1573-3432

Volume Title

47

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (G0600977)
Wellcome Trust (091774/Z/10/Z)
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (via Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) (unknown)
Autism Research Trust (unknown)
Autistica (7238)
Autism Research Trust (unknown)