Unmasking autism in adulthood | Masha Pavlova | TEDxOshkosh

This talk sheds light on the hidden and often misunderstood experience of masking in women and girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Masking refers to the process by which individuals with autism hide their symptoms to fit into societal norms. Many girls develop this behavior in childhood in an attempt to accommodate for the expectations of the closest people to them such as family members and friends. This behavior intensifies through adulthood making it very challenging to seek diagnosis or support.


The talk explores both a personal journey, and insights from top autism researchers and organizations specializing in women and girls, with the goal of starting a conversation about the prevalence of this experience and its profound impact.


Masha’s journey includes being a young immigrant overcoming trauma, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and homelessness on the pathway to becoming a successful entrepreneur, only to have that taken away thanks to crumbling health. Since then, by mastering perseverance, she has since rebuilt her dreams from the ground up.

Today, Masha serves as the Founder of the 24-Hour Pause for Peace - a worldwide concert uniting hearts with music and love, guided by future generations. Working within PEAC Institute, an international NGO, along with a member of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning team and other extraordinary, like-minded, beautiful individuals, this mission invites the whole world to witness a day where peace is not just a hope, but a reality.

Masha is a three-time #1 international bestselling business book author.. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx