A typical day for a non-neurotypical - Camouflaging

Understanding How Students Camouflage: Autism and Social Anxiety

The adaptation of individuals with access needs is amazing. #AutismSpectrumDisorder (ASD) presents with a unique set of challenges, including social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities (Pearce et al., 2023). In recent years, researchers have been examining the intricate relationship between #ASD and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by excessive fear of social situations (Pearce et al., 2023).

The Intersection of Autism and Social Anxiety

There is no doubt as educators, we have observed and experienced contextualities of access needs with our students. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of adolescents with #ASD, ranging from 29% to 57%, also experience symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (Pearce et al., 2023). This overlap raises questions about the factors contributing to the co-occurrence of these conditions. Commonly identified factors include fear of negative evaluation, intolerance of uncertainty, alexithymia (difficulty in recognizing emotions), and interoceptive sensibility (awareness of internal bodily sensations) (Pearce et al., 2023).

Exploring Camouflaging: Efforts to Fit In

A fascinating and explorative investigation accesses how students use the skill of Camouflage. A recent study by Lei et al. (2023) delves into a fascinating aspect of this intersection: camouflaging. Camouflaging refers to the efforts made by individuals, especially those with #ASD, to conceal their autistic traits in order to fit into neurotypical social settings. Lei and colleagues set out to understand how camouflaging behaviors relate to Social Anxiety (#SA), both in autistic and non-autistic adolescents.

Masking and Impression Management

The study found a noteworthy association between masking and Impression Management (IM) behaviors and the severity of Social Anxiety (#SA) symptoms (Lei et al., 2023). Interestingly, these behaviors did not necessarily correlate with autism traits (Lei et al., 2023). This observation raises intriguing questions about the underlying mechanisms at play.

Parallels with the Cognitive Model of Social Anxiety

One striking aspect is the resemblance of camouflaging and Impression Management to safety behaviors identified in the cognitive model of social anxiety (Lei et al., 2023). This suggests that individuals, whether autistic or not, may employ similar strategies when confronted with social anxiety.

Complex Relationships and Overlapping Constructs

Exploratory factor analysis conducted by Lei and colleagues demonstrated construct overlap among various behaviors, including camouflaging, assimilation, Impression Management, and avoidance behaviors (Lei et al., 2023). These findings echo the factors identified in the Clark and Wells (1995) model of Social Anxiety (#SA), highlighting the complexity of this relationship.

Balancing Short-Term Gains and Long-Term Effects

Ultimately, individuals with #ASD must be guided to recognize the trade-offs between the short-term benefits gained through camouflaging and the potential long-term maintenance of Social Anxiety (#SA) (Lei et al., 2023). Promoting self-knowledge and reflection becomes a crucial aspect of helping them make informed decisions about the use of camouflaging strategies (Lei et al., 2023).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between autism, camouflaging, and social anxiety is a topic of growing interest in the field of psychology. The efforts to understand how students camouflage and adapt in social contexts offer valuable insights into the complexities of these conditions. As research continues to shed light on these relationships, it opens doors to more effective interventions and support for individuals on the autism spectrum facing the challenges of social anxiety. #Research #AutismAwareness #SocialAnxiety #Education