Skip to main content
Close Button
Donate
  • Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 101 subscribers
  • Views 844 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Unmasked Self

DrewDoug
8 months ago

I was curious.

I see a lot of people on YouTube, who, even when talking openly about their own Autism and Autism in general. Still admit to masking ALL the time. Even while making said videos. Which I can't fully understand why. I would think surely, given the purpose and audience. It would be okay to unmask. To be your true self.

Would anyone care to share what the differences are in your unmasked self compared to your masked self?

I for one. As if I'm not "different" enough. I don't mask. Never have. It's just something I don't do.

  • I find I fidget.
  • Tap my hands and feet.
  • Rub my forehead and scalp with the back of my hands looking for imperfections.
  • I pull my eyelashes out with my fingernails when I'm feeling particularly anxious.
  • Use made up words or put random words together almost like Tourette's.
  • I'll change the subject of conversation quickly or create a weird random subject.
  • Stare at or touch things that pique my interest.
  • Imitate peoples personality and mannerisms.
  • Stare at people excessively.
  • React with excessive frustration at the smallest inconvenience.

The list goes on. While I'm at it though, here are a couple of my sensory triggers which may not be common.

  • I HATE getting my hands wet unexpectedly.
  • I CANNOT wet razor shave my face.

Both of these cause extreme sensitivity to the point of near meltdown.

Parents
  • 8 months ago
    DrewDoug said:
    I see a lot of people on YouTube, who, even when talking openly about their own Autism and Autism in general. Still admit to masking ALL the time. Even while making said videos. Which I can't fully understand why. I would think surely, given the purpose and audience. It would be okay to unmask. To be your true self.

    I think they mask in their videos because their unmasked videos would be like an hour long and be all over the place (ive seen some unmasked videos and thats how they usually go). While I personally am not bothered by that as I find the way they think interesting to watch, most people want a video that is straight to the point and isnt 'painful' to watch. I think they do it for that reasoning. 

    And then also if they are late diagnosed, its probably difficult for them to learn how to unmask.

    DrewDoug said:
    Would anyone care to share what the differences are in your unmasked self compared to your masked self?

    Masked:

    Speak in a lower voice, use little to no words if I can. Stim by tapping my fingers or legs. Sit and stand with an unnatural amount of posture, always trying to make sure im smiling but not too much. Have to remind myself to not stare in one spot too long. 

    Unmasked:

    Speak in a higher voice but still kind of low. Talk ALOT especially with topics that excite me. Use many stims, and stims that are more 'odd' looking. Dont force myself to smile. I dont pay attention to eye contact or my posture. 

    Theres way more for both but theres a sort list

  • 8 months ago in reply to Deleted user

    'I think they mask in their videos because their unmasked videos would be like an hour long and be all over the place (ive seen some unmasked videos and thats how they usually go).'

    Yep. I script my videos so I get straight to the point and avoid embarrassing mistakes. I understand why heavily-edited videos may come across as insincere, but the alternative would be to watch an unstructured and potentially very long ramble. This can work, I think. Orion Kelly posted an unmasked autism video a few months ago, and it was quite compelling.

Reply
  • 8 months ago in reply to Deleted user

    'I think they mask in their videos because their unmasked videos would be like an hour long and be all over the place (ive seen some unmasked videos and thats how they usually go).'

    Yep. I script my videos so I get straight to the point and avoid embarrassing mistakes. I understand why heavily-edited videos may come across as insincere, but the alternative would be to watch an unstructured and potentially very long ramble. This can work, I think. Orion Kelly posted an unmasked autism video a few months ago, and it was quite compelling.

Children
No Data