What role does masking play in the workplace for individuals with Autism?

PostedDecember 17, 2025

UpdatedDecember 17, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Masking, also known as camouflaging, refers to when autistic people consciously hide or suppress their natural behaviours to fit into workplace norms. This might mean mimicking small talk, forcing eye contact, or suppressing stimming to appear “professional.” According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), masking often develops to avoid misunderstanding or discrimination, but it comes at a significant emotional cost.

Why do autistic people mask at work?

Many autistic employees feel pressured to appear neurotypical to meet social and professional expectations. Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (Hull et al., 2023) found that common reasons for masking include fear of stigma, job insecurity, and a desire to fit in.

While masking may help someone blend into workplace culture temporarily, it often leads to chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout. Over time, suppressing one’s natural communication style or sensory needs can cause mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression.

The emotional and occupational impact

According to NICE guidance (CG142), autistic adults who feel unable to express their authentic selves are at higher risk of emotional exhaustion and disengagement. Studies show that continuous masking reduces job satisfaction, increases turnover, and may prevent employees from asking for support or reasonable adjustments, according to research by Cooper and Hull (2023) published in Mental Health and Social Inclusion.

A 2023 study by Cooper & Hull found that masking also reinforces inequality, as employees who conceal their needs are less likely to access workplace adjustments or mental health support.

Reducing the need to mask

The good news is that employers can create environments where autistic employees feel safe to be themselves. According to NHS England, strategies include:

Promoting open dialogue about communication preferences and sensory needs.

Providing written rather than verbal instructions.

Offering quiet spaces or flexible working arrangements.

Introducing autism awareness training for managers and teams.

NICE also advises ongoing mental health reviews and person-centred support, focusing on reducing distress rather than expecting autistic employees to mask.

Takeaway

Masking can help autistic employees cope in the short term but long-term, it often leads to exhaustion and reduced wellbeing. When workplaces prioritise inclusion, flexibility, and open communication, the need for masking decreases, allowing autistic people to contribute their best skills authentically.

For employers and families looking to learn more about autism support in the workplace, Autism Detect provides educational resources based on UK guidance to help foster understanding and inclusion.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.