🌿 What Is Masking in Autism? Understanding, Examples, and Comfort
Imagine wearing a mask all day — smiling, copying, pretending everything feels fine — while inside you’re exhausted. That’s what many autistic people describe when they talk about masking.
Masking means hiding natural behaviours to fit in, stay safe, or be accepted. It can help in classrooms, workplaces, or social gatherings — but the cost is often deep fatigue, stress, and a feeling of not being seen.
At Herbs on the Hill, we believe no one should have to hide who they are. Let’s explore what masking in autism really means, why people do it, and how rituals of comfort — like aromatherapy — can help when the mask comes off.
🌱 What Is Masking in Autism?
Masking is when an autistic person consciously or unconsciously hides their natural behaviours to appear “typical.”
Examples of masking include:
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Forcing eye contact even when uncomfortable.
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Copying body language, tone, or expressions.
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Suppressing stimming (like rocking, fidgeting, or humming).
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Rehearsing conversations or jokes in advance.
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Smiling or laughing to “fit in” even when it doesn’t feel natural.
Masking isn’t lying — it’s a survival strategy in a world that often misunderstands difference.
🌸 Why Do Autistic People Mask?
People mask for many reasons:
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Social pressure → avoiding judgement or bullying.
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Work & school expectations → trying to fit into systems designed for neurotypical people.
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Safety → protecting themselves from discrimination.
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Belonging → wanting connection, even at personal cost.
💔 The Impact of Masking
While masking may help in the moment, it often leads to:
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Exhaustion → constant “performance” drains energy.
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Stress & anxiety → being “on guard” all the time.
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Identity struggles → feeling unsure of who you truly are.
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Autistic burnout → deep mental, physical, and emotional fatigue from long-term masking.
It can feel like living in a corset — neat on the outside, constricting on the inside.
🌿 Options to Help
Masking itself doesn’t need “treating” — it’s a response to an unsupportive world. But the impact can be eased with support. Options to help include:
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Safe spaces → where unmasking is welcome.
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Therapies & coaching → tools for confidence and self-understanding.
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Community → connecting with others who understand.
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Sensory rituals → grounding practices like aromatherapy, music, or weighted blankets.
👉 Some people choose one support, others weave many together. The key is finding what works for you.
✨ What the Science Says
When you inhale an essential oil, molecules travel through the nose to the olfactory bulb, which links directly to the limbic system — the brain’s emotional centre. That’s why scent can trigger instant calm, grounding, or emotional release.
Research suggests:
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Lavender → encourages relaxation through the body’s calming pathways.
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Bergamot → linked to mood balance and stress relief.
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Rose → supports emotional comfort.
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Frankincense → grounding, slowing racing thoughts.
🌸 Aromatherapy & Sensory Rituals for Unmasking
After a day of masking, aromatherapy can help signal rest, safety, and self-acceptance.
Comforting oil allies:
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Lavender & Chamomile → rest for nervous exhaustion.
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Bergamot & Orange → a joyful lift after holding it together all day.
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Rose & Neroli → gentle comfort when emotions feel tender.
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Frankincense & Cedarwood → grounding and steadying.
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Ylang Ylang → emotional release when tension feels overwhelming.
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Vetiver or Sandalwood → earthy, calming, good for switching off.
🌿 Simple Rituals to Try
The Homecoming Ritual
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Diffuse lavender and bergamot as soon as you get home.
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Let the scent mark the shift from mask on → mask off.
The Comfort Hand Massage
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Blend 1 drop of rose or neroli in carrier oil.
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Massage into your hands slowly, telling yourself: you’re safe now.
The Unmasking Toolkit 🧰
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Change into soft clothing 🧣
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Dim the lights or use warm lamps ✨
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Diffuse frankincense or lavender 🌿
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Journal, doodle, or stim freely ✍️
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Wrap in a blanket or shawl 🛋️
💡 FAQs About Masking in Autism
Q: Is masking unique to autism?
A: Mostly, but people with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions may also mask.
Q: Is masking harmful?
A: Masking helps in the moment but long-term can cause exhaustion, stress, and burnout.
Q: Can aromatherapy stop masking?
A: No — but it can ease the emotional load and create comfort when unmasking.
Q: Which oils are best to start with?
A: Lavender for calm, citrus for focus and uplift, or rose for comfort.
💜
Masking may help you survive the world — but it should never cost you your sense of self. You deserve spaces where you can unmask, breathe deeply, and simply be.
At Herbs on the Hill, we’ve spent over 30 years creating handmade oils, balms, and mists that bring everyday comfort.
🌿 Explore our Limitless Collection, or visit us at 20 Bath Street, Frome.
💌 Questions? Reach us anytime:
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Live chat at HerbsontheHill.shop
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Socials: @herbsonthehill
You don’t need to perform to be worthy. You don’t need to hide to be loved. You deserve comfort, rest, and a life where your true self can breathe.
