--- title: The Hidden Cost of Autistic Masking | Burnout & Unmasking description: High success, but hidden burnout? Explore the reality of autistic masking and the fawn response. Learn safe unmasking strategies to recover from burnout. image: https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/UnmaskingAutism_BlogImage.webp --- [Skip to main content](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking#main-content) [![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg)](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) - [Our Team](https://becomingyourself.com/team) - [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) - [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) - [Our Team](https://becomingyourself.com/team) - [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) - [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) - [FREE Meet & Greet](https://becomingyourself.janeapp.com/#/list) [FREE Meet & Greet](https://becomingyourself.janeapp.com/#/list) [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) Tags - [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) - [neurodiversity-affirming therapy](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy) - [Identity and Self](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/identity-and-self) - [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/adhd) - [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) - [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/audhd) - [Therapy for gifted adults](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/therapy-for-gifted-adults) Search - [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) - [neurodiversity-affirming therapy](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy) - [Identity and Self](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/identity-and-self) - [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/adhd) - [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) - [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/audhd) - [Therapy for gifted adults](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/therapy-for-gifted-adults) [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) [Unmasking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/unmasking) # Unmasking Autism and The Hidden Cost of Masking ![Unmasking Autism and The Hidden Cost of Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UnmaskingAutism_BlogImage.webp?width=1200&height=820&name=UnmaskingAutism_BlogImage.webp) **TL;DR: Strategic Unmasking** - **Is unmasking autism always the goal**? No. Unmasking autism is a contextual, strategic choice. - **Safety First:** Autistic masking is a survival tool. Knowing where it is safe to drop the mask—and where it isn’t—is a vital skill for long-term health. - **The Fawn Response:** Many high-achievers use people-pleasing as an adaptation. Unmasking often means disrupting the status quo and reclaiming your right to set boundaries. *By: Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist*  In my clinical practice in Toronto, I often meet individuals who are the pillars of their industries—the lawyers, tech leads, creative directors—who share a common, quiet secret: they are being crushed by the weight of a performance they didn't realize they were giving. They are high-performing, highly respected, and completely hollowed out by the "Masked Achiever" identity. If you have spent your life feeling like a vehicle with its "check engine light" on, you aren't broken. You are likely just an expert at autistic masking. For the twice-exceptional (2e) or high-achieving adult, masking isn’t just about fitting in. It is a sophisticated, manual, and high-stakes survival strategy developed over decades to navigate a world that wasn’t built for your nervous system. But there is a ceiling to how long you can use brute force to get your way through life. This is why autism therapy that supports unmasking safely can matter: the goal is not to suddenly drop every mask, but to understand what masking has cost, what it has protected, and how to move toward a more sustainable way of being. The result of long-term masking is often a catastrophic system failure known as autistic burnout symptoms. ## The Reality of Unmasking Autism When we are talking about unmasking autism, we are talking about more than just being ourselves. For a high-achieving adult, the mask is a complex, high-definition persona meticulously curated since childhood. Understanding the reality of unmasking requires us to examine the internal engine that keeps the mask running and the profound alienation that arises when the engine finally begins to fail. ### Defining the process of shedding the persona At its core, unmasking autism is the intentional process of identifying and shedding the neurotypical behaviours you adopted to stay safe, belong, or succeed. It's not an overnight transformation; it is a slow, often painful excavation. For many people, the mask has become so fused with their identity that they no longer know where the performance ends and their true self begins. You might find yourself asking: - Do I actually enjoy this social event, or am I just good at pretending to? - Am I truly this productive, or is my workaholism a shield against social confusion? Those questions sit at the heart of [what identity looks like after a late autism diagnosis](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/what-identity-looks-like-after-late-diagnosis-of-autism). Unmasking is a brave act of answering those questions, even when the answers are inconvenient. ### The Internal Engine In a city like Toronto, the internal engine of the mask is often fueled by high-stakes professional demands. In the legal, tech, or other high-demanding sectors, the standard for professionalism is essentially a blueprint for neurotypicality. You are required to maintain sustained eye contact, engage in rapid-fire small talk, network in loud environments, and read between the lines.  We look at what recovery can look like when you can’t simply leave that environment in [masking burnout for neurodivergent professionals in Toronto](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/masking-burnout-in-toronto-recovery-guide). High-achieving autistics use autistic masking as a high-performance engine to blend into these environments. They use their pattern recognition to solve social interactions like a code. Some autistics do things like: - Memorizing scripts for the elevators - Calculating the correct amount of humour to use in a meeting - Use high intelligence to bridge the gap where social intuition falls short On the outside, they look like the ideal employee. On the inside, they are manually operating the machine that was designed to run on autopilot for everyone else. Learning more about late-diagnosis [autism therapy in Ontario](https://becomingyourself.com/autism-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario)could be a positive next step. ### The Shadow Side—The Cost of a Split Identity Yes, the mask provides a level of professional safety and external success. However, it also creates a devastating shadow side. This is a phenomenon of the split identity. When you spend over 10 hours a day performing a version of yourself that is palatable to the neurotypical world, you begin to experience a profound alienation from your own body and needs. Often, some autistic people begin to ignore sensory pain, suppress their desire to stim or move, and silence their voice. As a result of the split, you may feel hollowed out. Yes, you're successful, but you may feel like an imposter in your own life. This is the number one driver of autistic burnout symptoms. Unmasking is the only way to change this. But as we will continue to look at this topic, we'll assess the risks of unmasking autism and what recent research says about [social camouflaging in autistic adults](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34563942/). ## Recognizing the Physical Toll and Autistic Burnout Symptoms For high masking individuals, burnout is often misidentified as mere stress. However, in the neurodivergent community, we recognize a more severe physiological state: autistic burnout. This is a total system collapse that happens when the brain can no longer pay the "energy tax" required to keep the mask up. ### Common Autistic Burnout Symptoms - **Skill Regression:** A sudden inability to perform once-easy tasks, such as managing a calendar or making basic decisions. - **Sensory Hyperactivity**: Feeling physically raw or pained by lights and sounds previously tolerated. - **Executive function collapse:** A total brain fog that prevents task initiation, often mislabelled as laziness. - **Chronic Fatigue:** A tired but wired feeling where the body is exhausted, but your nervous system is too overstimulated to reach restorative sleep. - **Social Withdrawal:** An intense, survival-based need to isolate because the horsepower for masking is gone. When you reach this stage, masking is no longer a choice. It’s a physical impossibility. Recovery requires more than rest. It requires [what unmasking looks like day-to-day](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-in-everyday-life-a-neurodivergent-reality): safe, gradual strategies that lower your daily neurological load without forcing you to abandon every protective adaptation at once. ## The Fawn Response and the Risks of Unmasking Autism For many autistics, the most effective tool for masking is the fawn response. This is a survival adaptation in which you become hyperagreeable to secure safety. By prioritizing others' needs, you buy belonging at the cost of your identity. Understanding [how the fawn response functions as a survival mechanism](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/bipoc-mental-health/202504/demystifying-the-fawn-response) is crucial. It shows that people-pleasing is a neurological shield, not a personality flaw. However, the risks of unmasking autism are social. When you stop fawning, you break a silent contract. The risk is a disruption of what is expected of you. So, there are some real risks of unmasking autism, but it's important to recognize what you're sacrificing. ## The Social Impact of Unmasking Autism in Relationships Unmasking autism in relationships rarely happens in a vacuum. Partners and family often know you as the reliable person. This persona is often built on undiagnosed fawning. As you retire the "Helper" role, the relationship's foundation is tested. People often prefer the version of you that requires zero maintenance. Setting boundaries can trigger a backlash. This is often linked to [Tall Poppy Syndrome](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/breaking-free-from-tall-poppy-syndrome-for-audhd-adults), where your growth is seen as a threat to others' comfort. If a relationship relied on your mask, unmasking will expose the cracks. Some will adapt; others may grieve the inconvenience. You need a neuro-affirming space to process this loss and find connections that respect your true needs. ## Developing Contextual and Safe Unmasking Strategies Unmasking autism is not an "all-or-nothing" event. It is a dial, not a switch. You do not owe the world your vulnerability at the expense of your security. Developing safe unmasking strategies starts with the context-based safety audit. ***Ask yourself:*** - Is this environment sensory-safe? - Do these people respect my "no"? In high-stakes environments, masking may be a necessary tool. But true masking is about having a choice to drop your guard in safe harbours. A neuro-affirming therapy session is one safe place to do that. Unmasking and burnout are deeply connected — if burnout is part of your experience, the [ultimate guide to autistic burnout](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/the-ultimate-guide-to-autistic-burnout) walks through what's driving it and what healing can look like. ## Where can you find neurodiversity-affirming therapy in Ontario? Toronto is a high-pressure city. If you work in Bay Street finance, tech, or law, the demand for professional masking is relentless. High achievers here are often expected to be on 24/7. This makes specialized 2e and autistic support a necessity, not a luxury.  Standard therapy often misses the mark for gifted adults. It may focus on fixing behaviours rather than regulating a sensitive nervous system. You don't need to be taught how to blend in better. You need a space that respects your intellect while honouring your sensory limits. In a [neurodiversity-affirming space,](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) the goal isn't to act neurotypical. The goal is to build a sustainable life. We look at the unique stressors of the GTA. Together, we will prioritize your energy over others' expectations. If you're tired of masking your autism to meet the standards of a neurotypical world, let’s [book a free 20-minute Meet-and-Greet](https://becomingyourself.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1). [You deserve a therapist who speaks your language](https://becomingyourself.com/autism-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario) and understands the cost of your mask. If your experience includes both autism and ADHD traits, [Audhd therapy in Ontario](https://becomingyourself.com/audhd-therapy-in-ontario)can offer support for understanding the overlap between masking, intensity, executive functioning, burnout, and identity. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Q: What is autistic masking? A: Autistic masking means consciously or unconsciously suppressing autistic traits — such as forcing eye contact, scripting conversations, hiding stims, or concealing sensory distress — in order to appear neurotypical and stay safe or accepted. ### Q: What is the hidden cost of masking? A: The hidden cost of masking can include chronic exhaustion, anxiety, a split or “hollowed-out” sense of identity, and a heightened risk of autistic burnout — even when a person looks successful from the outside. ### Q: How do you unmask safely? A: Unmasking safely usually happens gradually and by context — not all at once. Start in safe relationships and lower-stakes settings, do a “safety audit” of each environment, and reduce unnecessary masking where you have enough support. ## References Botha, M., & Frost, D. M. (2020). Extending the minority stress model to understand mental health problems experienced by the autistic population. *Society and Mental Health, 10*(1), 20–34. [https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869318804297](https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869318804297) Cage, E., & Troxell-Whitman, Z. (2019). Understanding the reasons, contexts and costs of camouflaging for autistic adults. *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49*(5), 1899–1911. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-03878-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-03878-x) Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, M.-C., Baron-Cohen, S., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Petrides, K. V. (2019). Development and validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49*(3), 819–833. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6) Livingston, L. A., Shah, P., & Happé, F. (2019). Compensatory strategies below the behavioural surface in autism: A qualitative study. *The Lancet Psychiatry, 6*(9), 766–777. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30224-X](https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30224-X) Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: Understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. *Autism in Adulthood, 3*(1), 52–60. [https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0043](https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0043) *This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized therapy or medical advice. If you are in crisis, please contact emergency services or a crisis line in your area.* Michael Holker is a Registered Social Worker and neurodiversity-affirming therapist offering virtual therapy across Ontario for adults with ADHD, autism, AuDHD, giftedness, and twice-exceptionality.[*Learn more about working with Michael →*](https://becomingyourself.com/michael-holker) ## Blog Disclaimer This blog may include occasional personal reflections or composite-style anecdotes to illustrate therapeutic ideas and foster connection. Any identifying details have been altered, omitted, or generalized to protect confidentiality. These examples are shared for educational purposes only. Every person’s experience is unique, and what resonates with one individual may not apply to another. The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your mental health, physical health, or overall well-being, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed mental health professional. Psychotherapy services described on this website are available to residents of Ontario, in accordance with applicable professional standards and the scope of practice. If you are interested in working together or would like to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation, you are welcome to contact me through my practice. These resources are offered to support reflection, learning, and self-understanding as you move toward a more grounded, authentic, and meaningful life.   Tags: [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) [Unmasking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/unmasking) ![Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mike%20Smile.png?width=120&height=120&name=Mike%20Smile.png) **[Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw)** Feb 27, 2026, 4:00:00 PM Michael Holker, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker and neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapist, and the founder of Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting — a virtual practice based in Toronto that serves adults across Ontario. He works with late-diagnosed and self-identified autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and gifted (2e) adults, bringing lived experience of neurodivergence to a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. He practises alongside Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW, whose focus is anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Book a free 20-minute meet-and-greet. [Follow me on my website](https://becomingyourself.com) [Follow me on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BecomingYourslf) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-holker-09986093/) ## Related Articles [![Neurodivergent Burnout Recovery: What It Actually Takes to Heal — and What Gets in the Way](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BurnoutRecovery.webp?width=500&height=500&name=BurnoutRecovery.webp) Neurodivergent Burnout Recovery: What It Actually Takes to Heal — and What Gets in the Way Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist • Aug 15, 2026, 9:00:00 AM](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/neurodivergent-burnout-recovery-in-ontario) [![Sensory Overload in Neurodivergent Adults: What Is Actually Happening and How to Find Relief in Ontario](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SensoryOverwhelm.webp?width=500&height=500&name=SensoryOverwhelm.webp) Sensory Overload in Neurodivergent Adults: What Is Actually Happening and How to Find Relief in Ontario Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist • Jul 31, 2026, 9:00:00 AM](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/sensory-overwhelm-in-ontario) [![When You Can't Stop Performing: Masking Burnout for Neurodivergent Professionals in Toronto's Financial District](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maskingburnout.webp?width=500&height=500&name=Maskingburnout.webp) When You Can't Stop Performing: Masking Burnout for Neurodivergent Professionals in Toronto's Financial District Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist • Jul 15, 2026, 9:00:05 AM](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/masking-burnout-in-toronto-recovery-guide) [![Becoming Yourself Logo ](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social%20Media%20Logo%20-%20Secondary%20Light-4.png?width=228&height=87&name=Social%20Media%20Logo%20-%20Secondary%20Light-4.png "Becoming Yourself Logo ")](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/BecomingYourselSolidColoursNoWordingTransparent-2.png) 1108 - 250 Consumers Rd. #413 North York, ON M2J4V6 (For Mailing Purposes Only)  Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting provides neurodiversity-affirming online therapy for adults across Ontario. Virtual Counselling is available across Ontario, including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga, and beyond. **THERAPY FOR:** [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/adhd-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario) [AUTISM](https://becomingyourself.com/autism-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario) [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/audhd-therapy-in-ontario) [Gifted & Neurodivergent (2e)](https://becomingyourself.com/therapy-for-gifted-adults-in-ontario) **DISCOVER:** [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) [Our Team](https://becomingyourself.com/team) [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) [On Becoming Yourself Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) © 2026 Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting.  All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://becomingyourself.com/privacy)   [Website Terms of Use](https://becomingyourself.com/website-terms-of-use) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist", "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-02T00:45:54.016Z", "datePublished" : "2026-02-27T21:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Hidden Cost of Autistic Masking | Burnout & Unmasking", "image" : [ "https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/UnmaskingAutism_BlogImage.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/BecomingYourselSolidColoursNoWordingTransparent-1.png" }, "name" : "Becoming Yourself Counselling" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en-CA", "name" : "Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/#org" }, "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/#org", "@type" : [ "Organization", "ProfessionalService" ], "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "CA", "addressLocality" : "North York", "addressRegion" : "ON", "postalCode" : "M2J 4V6", "streetAddress" : "1108 - 250 Consumers Road #413" }, "alternateName" : [ "Becoming Yourself Counselling", "Becoming Yourself Counselling & Consulting" ], "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "containsPlace" : [ { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Toronto" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Ottawa" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Mississauga" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Brampton" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Hamilton" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "London" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Kitchener" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Waterloo" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Windsor" }, { "@type" : "City", "name" : "Kingston" } ], "name" : "Ontario" } ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "CA-ON", "availableLanguage" : [ "en" ], "contactType" : "customer support", "email" : "michael@becomingyourself.com", "telephone" : "+1-289-278-6272" }, "description" : "Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting is a neurodiversity-affirming virtual therapy practice serving adults across Ontario through Registered Social Workers Michael Holker and Euodia Leung. Michael focuses on late-diagnosed and self-identified ADHD, autistic, AuDHD and gifted (2e) adults; Euodia supports neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, students, life transitions and adults exploring neurodivergence.", "email" : "michael@becomingyourself.com", "employee" : [ { "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/michael-holker#person" }, { "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/euodia-leung#person" } ], "founder" : { "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/michael-holker#person" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 43.7785, "longitude" : -79.3402 }, "legalName" : "Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting Services", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg" }, "name" : "Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "18:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday" ], "opens" : "09:00" } ], "priceRange" : "$175+", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.instagram.com/becomingyourselfcounselling/", "https://www.facebook.com/BecomingYourslf", "https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-holker-09986093", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/michael-holker-north-york-on/1057652", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/euodia-leung-north-york-on/1833889", "https://maps.app.goo.gl/umd7FB9jUjUcrwhT7" ], "telephone" : "+1-289-278-6272", "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Autistic masking means consciously or unconsciously suppressing autistic traits — such as forcing eye contact, scripting conversations, hiding stims, or concealing sensory distress — in order to appear neurotypical and stay safe or accepted." }, "name" : "What is autistic masking?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The hidden cost of masking can include chronic exhaustion, anxiety, a split or “hollowed-out” sense of identity, and a heightened risk of autistic burnout — even when a person looks successful from the outside." }, "name" : "What is the hidden cost of masking?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Unmasking safely usually happens gradually and by context — not all at once. Start in safe relationships and lower-stakes settings, do a “safety audit” of each environment, and reduce unnecessary masking where you have enough support." }, "name" : "How do you unmask safely?" } ], "url" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking#breadcrumb", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://becomingyourself.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/", "name" : "On Becoming Yourself", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/unmasking-autism-hidden-cost-of-masking", "name" : "Unmasking Autism: Hidden Cost of Masking", "position" : 3 } ] } ```