B4B: Masking in Autism: Burnout and What Assessment Scores Don’t Capture

This presentation explores masking, burnout, and the hidden presentation of autism, highlighting how these experiences can impact identification, well-being, and everyday functioning. Drawing on current research and clinical practice, it will examine how masking develops, its relationship to burnout, and how these processes may influence assessment outcomes. The presentation will also discuss common patterns seen in evaluations and offer practical, accessible strategies for recognizing masking and supporting autistic individuals across settings.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to define masking and burnout in ASD.

Participants will describe the impacts of masking and burnout on autistic functioning.

Participants will be able to evaluate the effects of masking on standardized autism assessment results.

Participants will apply strategies to support authentic self-expression in high-masking people with autism.

Speakers