Masking & Camouflaging Check

Masking & Camouflaging Reflection · Anandoham

⏱ 5–7 min 20 questions Free · Private

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About this check

Many autistic adults describe the exhausting work of consciously modifying their natural behaviour to appear more neurotypical — sometimes called "masking" or "camouflaging". These 20 original items, written for Anandoham, ask about three patterns researchers describe: compensation (using learned strategies), masking (actively hiding autistic traits), and assimilation (feeling pressure to fit in). This is a reflective tool, not a validated psychometric instrument.

Important: This check is intended for adults wondering about autism, or autistic adults wanting to reflect on how much masking is costing them. It is not a diagnostic tool. The validated instrument for this pattern is the CAT-Q (Hull et al.); this reflection is inspired by that work but uses original items.

What your score means

Low masking · score 20–79

Your score suggests relatively little conscious masking. If you are autistic, this may reflect a setting where you can be yourself — which is protective of wellbeing over time.

Moderate masking · score 80–119

Your score suggests moderate masking across at least one facet. Many autistic adults in workplaces and public-facing roles score here.

High masking · score 120–140

Your score suggests high masking. Research links sustained high masking to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and autistic burnout.

How it works

Rate how much each statement describes you.

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If you are in crisis: Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24/7, many Indian languages) or 112 for emergencies. You can also reach iCall, Vandrevala Foundation, or AASRA.