ADHD and Masking - Why do we do it?

Masking is something you often hear about in the ADHD community, but why do we do it?

In my experience, a lot of people mask because they simply want to fit in. They don't want to feel different; they want to feel like they belong.

When you're in the minority, surrounded by the neurotypical majority, it can be hard not to feel different.

I saw this first-hand in my career as a teacher. Young people especially have a strong desire to fit in. Girls, in particular, are often difficult to identify as neurodiverse because they’re so skilled at masking.

I believe children with ADHD mask because they feel more motivated to blend in with their peers than adults, which is especially true of girls. They mimic the behaviours of those around them, even though it doesn't come naturally to them, and this can lead to low self esteem and anxiety.

To share a personal story with you, my natural personality is someone who gets quite enthusiastic and excited in a group. I can feel judged by others when this happens and RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) kicks in, so I have learned to suppress this around those who don't know me.