“Putting on My Best Normal”: Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Camouflaging of autistic characteristics in social situations is hypothesised as a common social coping strategy for adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Camouflaging may impact diagnosis, quality of life, and long-term outcomes, but little is known about it. This qualitative study examined camouflaging experiences in 92 adults with ASC, with questions focusing on the nature, motivations, and consequences of camouflaging. Thematic analysis was used to identify key elements of camouflaging, which informed development of a three-stage model of the camouflaging process. First, motivations for camouflaging included fitting in and increasing connections with others. Second, camouflaging itself comprised a…

• WT
  Wellcome Trust
• CF
  Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• NI
  National Institute for Health and Care Research
• HF
  Hospital for Sick Children
• MR
  Medical Research Council