Putting on a disguise to fit in: A mixed methods study of experiences in autistic camouflaging

Jones, S., Sharpe, B. T., King, R., Waldeck, D. and Tyndall, I. (2025) Putting on a disguise to fit in: A mixed methods study of experiences in autistic camouflaging. Research in Neurodiversity, 1. pp. 1-11. ISSN 3050-5798

[thumbnail of Sarah Jones, Benjamin T. Sharpe, Rachel King, Daniel Waldeck, Ian Tyndall, Putting on a disguise to fit in: A mixed methods study of experiences in autistic camouflaging, Research in Neurodiversity, Vol. 1,2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rin.2025.100004.]
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Text (Sarah Jones, Benjamin T. Sharpe, Rachel King, Daniel Waldeck, Ian Tyndall, Putting on a disguise to fit in: A mixed methods study of experiences in autistic camouflaging, Research in Neurodiversity, Vol. 1,2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rin.2025.100004.)
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Abstract

Background: A 3:1 male-to-female autism diagnosis ratio may be partly explained by more prevalent camouflaging behaviours among females, which can mask autistic traits. Methods: This mixed-methods study examined gender differences in camouflaging among 110 autistic adults (aged 18–64) using the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) and explored lived experiences through interviews with eight participants (aged 18–37). Results: Quantitative results showed that females reported significantly higher total camouflaging scores than males, particularly in the compensation subtype, while differences in masking and assimilation were not significant. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four key overarching themes: camouflaging motivations and consequences, level of consciousness, affected identity, and experiences of support. Conclusions: Findings highlight the complex impact of camouflaging on daily life and its potential role in delayed diagnoses and mental health challenges. Further research should include diverse gender identities and a broader representation of the autism spectrum to inform better support and interventions.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © 2025 The Author(s).
Uncontrolled Keywords: autism, camouflaging, masking, assimilation, compensation, gender
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Research Entities > POWER Centre
Depositing User: Ian Tyndall
Date Deposited: 05 Nov 2025 13:12
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2025 13:12
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8285

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