Tips on unmasking for late diagnosed autistics

I have no ability to unmask whatsoever. It is only if masking causes distress or other problems that unmasking is beneficial. My masking only causes exhaustion if I overdo socialising and I have mastered pacing my social commitments, or taking time out, to avoid this. 

I too am on autopilot when in company, especially when there is more than one person. I have learned to put myself in a comfortable position as much as possible, I socialise a lot less now which gives me the freedom to be myself. I say No a lot more often as this was a word I rarely used due to my people pleasing tendencies. I used to feel I had to give a justifiable explanation for why I couldn’t or didn’t want to do something (that is only for the benefit of others not myself). 
Start by putting yourself in places where you don’t need to mask and take note of what feels right to you without outside pressures.

I have only unmasked with my therapists so far. I do it slightly with my personal trainer. But more than one person disregulates me, so I can't do it. Stimming is the best way to break out of it. 

Hi Spritz,

You may want to have a look at https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/masking to learn more about masking.

Hope this helps! Please do reach out if I can be of any more assistance.

Warm regards

Brian Mod

Hi Spritz, 

I can relate to this. I was diagnosed last year and have struggled with the same thing. As you say it’s like being on autopilot and after so many years of masking it’s a hard cycle to break. 

I’d be interested to hear and tips others may have too.