As we explore our journey of autism, we slowly unmask the many mysteries that autism holds. We have examined how autism is defined and diagnosed, its effects, and even a potential part of the human brain that can cause autism. To celebrate Halloween, we will explore autistic masking more thoroughly. We will try on the different Halloween costumes of an individual with autism.
The first costume that an individual with autism may wear is just themselves. Imagine those celebrities who dress up as themselves because they are cool enough to do so. For individuals with autism, acting like themselves is normal for them, but for people who do not know them, it could seem like they are wearing a costume. Autistic individuals in their “this is me” costume might not mask their stims, push down urges to bring up their current hyper fixation, or analyze a social situation. My “this is me” costume is what I wear at 2 a.m., reading a book about the structural resonance of medieval architecture without needing to understand emotional cues or measure my eye-contact-to-not-eye-contact ratio. If you are around an individual with autism and they’re in their “this is me” costume, they most likely feel comfortable around you (this is a good thing!).
Another costume that individuals with autism may exhibit is the one they wear when in a more public environment but where one of their hyper fixations thrives. These environments could be a club, class, conversation with friends, or anywhere, with their interests being the main focus. In this costume, individuals with autism will have some of their masking, but some will not be in use. They won’t randomly change topics, but they might talk over you. If you get me talking about history, music, law, or something I love, this is true — I will blabber on about minute parts of how an old Stevens family member married this guy, who ran off to Switzerland, and then talk for another couple hours.
Another costume in the wardrobe of an individual with autism is that which they use the most: the “everyday” costume. The “everyday” costume is what we with autism wear out in the wild of the social realm. With complete masking, continuous observations, and almost non-stop calculations of when to look someone in the eye, change the topic, nod, laugh, and when it is okay to talk, the typical costume of individuals with autism is what we wear in classes, at work, on the street, or in general. The “everyday” costume is just how I am most of the day — unless it’s one of the aforementioned situations.
Halloween is very festive: candy, trick-or-treating, trips for a pumpkin spice latte, and costumes. However, for some, wearing costumes is part of daily activities. For those with autism, masking is just a part of our lives. Whether it be entirely masking in everyday life or none at all in an intimate environment, costumes are just another Tuesday for those with autism. Whether you are wearing the same costume as always or got one off Amazon, Happy Halloween!
