[article] 
inResearch in Autism > 124 (June 2025) . - 202597

Titre :	The two-edged sword of playing a role in daily life: Social camouflaging among adults on the autism spectrum. A thematic analysis
Type de document :	Texte imprimé et/ou numérique
Auteurs :	Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur
Article en page(s) :	202597
Langues :	Anglais (eng)
Mots-clés :	Camouflaging  Overload  Masking  Mimicking  Identity  Self-care
Index. décimale :	PER Périodiques
Résumé :	Background Social camouflaging, exhibited by masking or mimicking others, is an autistic individual?s strategy to blend into an environment, often deriving from motivations to "pass" as non-autistic. Many autistic individuals declare camouflaging as source of positive social outcomes and negative internal reactions (e.g., exhaustion, identity confusion). The current study focused on camouflaging?s consequences on one?s biopsychosocial well-being as the research in this area is scarce. Methods The research was conducted based on a qualitative interview, consisting of four thematic areas (imitation, playing a role, sensory overload, internal resources). Participants were enrolled online through groups and neurodivergent communities in Poland, and stationary mental health facilities. 152 adult autistic individuals participated in the study (including 112 women). The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis method, allowing the participants to describe their lived experiences. Results Thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes regarding camouflaging experiences: 1) "camouflage as social blessing", 2) "camouflage as a reason for self-care", 3) "camouflage as a barrier", 4) "camouflage as pushing boundaries". Conclusions The findings suggest a dualistic approach to camouflaging, considered as a two-edged sword: it was reported as helpful in developing a positive image among peers and navigating in a non-autistic world, but also was costly and exhausting, often resulting in diminished self-understanding and internalized stigma. These results may be beneficial in clinical practice as studying functions of camouflaging - not the behavior per se - would allow for its better understanding and help in choosing most adaptive strategies while conducting psychoeducation in this area, including self-care strategies.
En ligne :	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202597
Permalink :	https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=556

[article] The two-edged sword of playing a role in daily life: Social camouflaging among adults on the autism spectrum. A thematic analysis [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur . - 202597.
Langues : Anglais (eng)
in Research in Autism > 124 (June 2025) . - 202597

Mots-clés :	Camouflaging  Overload  Masking  Mimicking  Identity  Self-care
Index. décimale :	PER Périodiques
Résumé :	Background Social camouflaging, exhibited by masking or mimicking others, is an autistic individual?s strategy to blend into an environment, often deriving from motivations to "pass" as non-autistic. Many autistic individuals declare camouflaging as source of positive social outcomes and negative internal reactions (e.g., exhaustion, identity confusion). The current study focused on camouflaging?s consequences on one?s biopsychosocial well-being as the research in this area is scarce. Methods The research was conducted based on a qualitative interview, consisting of four thematic areas (imitation, playing a role, sensory overload, internal resources). Participants were enrolled online through groups and neurodivergent communities in Poland, and stationary mental health facilities. 152 adult autistic individuals participated in the study (including 112 women). The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis method, allowing the participants to describe their lived experiences. Results Thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes regarding camouflaging experiences: 1) "camouflage as social blessing", 2) "camouflage as a reason for self-care", 3) "camouflage as a barrier", 4) "camouflage as pushing boundaries". Conclusions The findings suggest a dualistic approach to camouflaging, considered as a two-edged sword: it was reported as helpful in developing a positive image among peers and navigating in a non-autistic world, but also was costly and exhausting, often resulting in diminished self-understanding and internalized stigma. These results may be beneficial in clinical practice as studying functions of camouflaging - not the behavior per se - would allow for its better understanding and help in choosing most adaptive strategies while conducting psychoeducation in this area, including self-care strategies.
En ligne :	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202597
Permalink :	https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=556