AUTISTIC UNMASKING SUPPORT GROUP

This support group provides a safe and affirming space for individuals diagnosed or self-identified as autistic to discover, explore and navigate the process of social unmasking. Masking, or camouflaging, is an adaptive strategy where neurodivergent people suppress or hide their authentic traits and behaviors to avoid harm or to fit in with neurotypical norms.  Masking may be the reason we have not been diagnosed or self-identified autistic for so long. 

Common types of masking include:

  • Suppressing stimming behaviors/repetitive movements

  • Continuous monitoring and adapting body language and facial expressions to fit social norms

  • Feeling compelled to make eye contact, even if it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable

  • Scripting and rehearsing conversations

  • Preoccupied with how others perceive us and striving to meet expectations

  • Putting on an act or façade to navigate social situations

  • Excessively accommodating or helping others

Masking is not without consequence.  Not masking is not without consequence. In some situations, not masking can put us in danger. Long term masking however can lead to mental and physical exhaustion and a disconnect from our authentic selves.  

This group is dedicated to helping autistic individuals:

  • Better determine when to mask and when to be genuine.

  • Recognize and validate neurodivergent traits as integral and valuable aspects of identity.

  • Practice expressing authentic thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or stigma.  These may include worries, fears, confusions, anger, exhaustion, struggles and successes. 

  • Develop practical skills for navigating the unmasking journey.  These may include strategies for managing social interactions and advocating for individual needs.

  • Cultivate self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-compassion.

  • Connect with our authentic values, desires, preferences and interests.

 What to Expect:

  • A space for open dialogue and shared experiences.

  • Opportunities to connect with other neurodivergent individuals.

  • Guidance on recognizing and challenging internalized ableism.

  • Emphasis on prioritizing self-care and building resilience.

  • Participants are invited to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable.

We deserve to be seen for who we are.  When we better understand how masking presents in our lives, we can be more aware of how to balance appropriate masking with authenticity.  In this group, we will begin to peek out from behind our intricate disguises and discover…   Who am I without the mask?  What matters to me?  Do I get to exist just as I am?   Connecting authentically heals what masking fractures.

Note: This group is intended to be a supportive community space and is not a substitute for individual therapy or medical advice.

If interested, please email me to be put on a waitlist for the next group: jennyleungtherapy@gmail.com

Suggested Resources

1)     Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire  (CAT-Q)
https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/

A self-report measure of social camouflaging or masking behaviors.  The more you camouflage, the more you suppress your autistic proclivities to the point of not recognizing autism in yourself or others recognizing it in you.  Takes about 5 minutes to complete.

2)     Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price
https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Autism-Discovering-Faces-Neurodiversity/dp/0593235231

3)     Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person’s Guide to Connecting, Loving and Living Authentically by Devon Price https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Life-Autistic-Connecting-Authentically/dp/0593735757

NEURODIVERSITY PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP

Do you identify with being introverted, highly-sensitive or an empath? Have you ever been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, OCD, anxiety, depression or other neurodivergent ways of being? Are you prone to feeling sensory, cognitive, and/or emotional overwhelm? Do you have an underlying sense that there is something different about your mind, emotions and/or experiences?

Neurodiversity refers to the healthy variation in how different people’s brains receive, process and respond to stimuli. To function well, those of us who are diagnosed or who identify as neurodivergent need to understand our neurology and how best to support and advocate for ourselves so we can flourish in a world that is not set up for us.   

In this online 6-week group, we will learn:
1) How our brain / neurology / nervous system works
2) How our unique neurology affects our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships
3) The importance of self-understanding and a self-care routine that stabilizes our nervous system
4) Ways to work with anxiety, depression, meltdowns and shutdowns
5) Tools to best support and integrate neurodivergent identity

Weekly Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to neurodiversity / neurodivergence, cognitive overload
Week 2: Sensory dysregulation
Week 3: Emotional overwhelm
Week 4: Nervous system dysregulation / meltdown / shutdown
Week 5: Burnout
Week 6: Neurodivergent strengths, building resilience, self-advocacy

Show up as you are able. Focus and presence look different for everyone, so please embrace what works for you. Move about, engage your hands, eat. It is fine to have your video camera turned off.

If interested, please email me to be put on a waitlist for the next group: jennyleungtherapy@gmail.com