What can I do to reduce or end masking in my life?

One of the first things one should consider before unmasking is “Is this a safe place to unmask?”. In the past when you have shown your family, friends or co-workers your unmasked self, how have they reacted? In your workplace are there other unmasked people? How are they treated? At home, how has your family reacted in the past to the vulnerable you? What about your friends, when they have seen you unmasked, or using less masking how have they reacted? Sometimes you will know it’s safe, or unsafe, other times you might not be sure.

One way to unmask subtly is to use a fidget object or toy. Something to keep your hands busy, rather than trying to sit completely still. Ask yourself how you feel using this object. Does it help? How are you treated? 

Some ND folks seek out communities of people who are similar to them, where the expectation around masking is reduced. Communities around special interests might not be specifically ND but joining those communities might lead you to “your people”.

Lastly, one of the things to consider is ND joy. What brings you joy, and how can you do more of it? For myself, I love sewing and learning. I can talk to you all day about social work and social justice. When I lose myself in these things, I experience real peace. What do you lose yourself in? How do you experience peace and joy?

Amanda Broderick, BSW Student Intern.

Meet Amanda, guest author for the above blog post. Amanda Broderick, an autistic, disabled, white bodied female who is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Worker degree from Dalhousie University. She is completing a practicum placement with a clinical social work focus in Shelley Restall’s Counselling practice. Amanda is passionate about supporting late diagnosed autistic females (including self-diagnosed, exploring neurodivergence), to build a life that is based on self-knowledge, self-acceptance, creating systems of neurodivergent affirming support for daily life, and de-constructing internalized ableism that is self-limiting.