Authors
Laura Hull, KV Petrides, Carrie Allison, Paula Smith, Simon Baron-Cohen, Meng-Chuan Lai, William Mandy
Publication date
2017/8
Journal
Journal of autism and developmental disorders
Volume
47
Pages
2519-2534
Publisher
Springer US
Description
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.
Total citations
20172018201920202021202220232024526130124216228258126
Scholar articles
L Hull, KV Petrides, C Allison, P Smith, S Baron-Cohen… - Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2017