Something to See Here: Masking and Autism

Autism masking has become a hot topic across social media and popular culture, but what does it actually mean? In this essential episode, Julianna and Kelley break down the complex world of autistic masking - from what it looks like in practice to when it becomes harmful. They share personal stories about their sons' experiences and tackle the tricky balance between fitting into society and staying true to yourself.

The hosts clarify major misconceptions about masking, including why the behaviors shown on "Love on the Spectrum" aren't actually masking, and discuss the crucial difference between learning social skills and hiding who you are. Whether you're autistic yourself, parenting an autistic child, or working with neurodiverse colleagues, this episode provides practical insights into when masking serves us and when it's time to take the mask off.

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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to masking
00:41 - Masking vs behavioral change
01:17 - Amy Schumer documentary discussion
02:01 - Armchair Experts misinformation
04:44 - Love on the Spectrum example
05:44 - Does Kelley's son mask?
07:54 - What masking looks like
09:37 - Planning conversations in advance
10:46 - Why people choose to mask
12:37 - School masking and home unmasking
14:07 - When masks fall off
15:23 - Neurotypical vs autistic masking
19:08 - Workplace behavior expectations
20:53 - Early vs late diagnosis differences
23:16 - What would we do section
24:20 - Pink shoes story
27:53 - Therapy hesitation discussion
29:25 - To-do list: Immediate actions
30:35 - Short-term strategies
32:23 - Long-term goals
32:35 - Blocked behaviors to avoid
34:09 - Why this conversation matters