On Masking and Disclosure
Experiences of Autistic Masking, Stigma, Discrimination and Disclosure at School, Work, and Travel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15173/cjae.v6i1.6901Keywords:
lived experience, intersectionality, hidden disability, discrimination, maskingAbstract
Autistic persons face stigma and discrimination in many different facets of life. In this paper, an autistic advocate shares their lived experiences on some of the challenges they have faced at school, in employment, and when travelling. They also discuss how their experiences have shaped the way they approach disclosure and masking. They share their experiences in the hope of bringing light to some of the challenges faced by autistic persons. They also hope that others who have faced and are facing hardships may feel less alone, and perhaps encouraged to share their stories as well, and that these stories may collectively help push for change, for a more welcoming and inclusive tomorrow for everyone.
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References
Stevenson, J. L., Harp, B., & Gernsbacher, M. A. (2011). Infantilizing Autism. Disability Studies Quarterly, 31(3). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v31i3.1675
Humphrey, N., & Hebron, J. (2014). Bullying of children and adolescents with autism spectrum conditions: a ‘state of the field’ review. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 19(8), 845–862. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2014.981602
Wanigasekera, L. C., Maybery, M. T., Palermo, R., Whitehouse, A. J. O., & Tan, D. W. (2025). First impressions towards autistic people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism Research, 18(5), 983–1010. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70019
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