What are some examples of masking in relation to autism?

Masking occurs when you are pretending to be neuro-typical and in my opinion, to fit in. This masking can be simply trying to hold up your head, good posture and making eye contact. This is really superficial. You can mask by simply trying to read body language instead of actually listening what is being said. You can mask by attempting to make small talk, but get confused on how to socially engage. You can mask by going with friends to a night club or even any social gathering. People get upset if you don’t go, but those people are not your friends.Please don’t make, it sucks the energy out of you and you most likely will go into a meltdown.

In my opinion, the best solution is just to be honest with people at the very beginning. “Sorry, but I am autistic and I struggle with eye contact and reading body language whilst I am trying to listen and concentrate. I am not being deceptive in any way”. “Sorry, I can’t go to the night club, too many people, too bright lights and too loud of noise, my senses will get overwhelmed and shoot into meltdown”.

Please do not mask!