Exploring the Role of Social and Cultural Norms on Camouflaging in Autistic Adults

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dc.contributor.authorPloof-Montano, Ashley
dc.date.accessioned2025-12-01T19:39:39Z
dc.date.available2025-12-01T19:39:39Z
dc.date.issued2025-11-10
dc.description.abstractThis capstone examines the guiding research question: What role do social and cultural expectations play in decisions to camouflage autistic traits, and how does this affect identity? Autistic individuals frequently engage in camouflaging, or masking, to hide their traits in response to stigma and societal expectations that favour neurotypical norms. A thematic literature review was conducted, drawing from peer-reviewed studies published primarily in the last five years. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes emerged: (1) the influence of societal expectations and the pervasive need to "fit in," (2) the internal conflict and identity challenges that arise from masking, and (3) the psychological tolls and trade-offs of camouflaging as both protection and cost. Social Identity Theory provided the theoretical framework for interpreting how in-group and out-group dynamics shape autistic experiences of stigma, self-perception, and identity negotiation. Findings highlight that camouflaging is not an individual deficit but a socially shaped response to marginalization, with implications for clinical practice, policy, and research. Clinicians must adopt neurodiversity-affirming approaches that avoid reinforcing camouflaging and instead validate autistic identities. This project underscores the urgent need for stigma reduction, inclusive environments, and interventions that support authenticity, belonging, and psychological well-being for autistic adults.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/5048
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionCity University of Seattle (CityU)
dc.subjectautism
dc.subjectcamouflaging
dc.subjectmasking
dc.subjectidentity
dc.subjectsocial identity theory
dc.subjectstigma
dc.subjectneurodiversity
dc.subjectmental health
dc.subjectauthenticity
dc.subjectinclusion
dc.titleExploring the Role of Social and Cultural Norms on Camouflaging in Autistic Adults
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineCounselling
thesis.degree.grantorCity University of Seattle (CityU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Counselling
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