I'm Masking and I've Had Enough
A neurodivergent interactive masking and self-expression resource
Masking can involve monitoring speech, facial expression, movement and eye contact; rehearsing conversations; copying expected behaviour; suppressing stims; hiding sensory distress; or pretending to be okay when the internal experience is very different.
This interactive guide gives users space to explore what they are pretending is okay, what they are hiding and what they are forcing themselves through. It looks at sensory, social and emotional masking, the preparation involved before an interaction, what is monitored or suppressed during it, and the recovery cost afterwards.
A dedicated body page helps users notice the physical impact of masking. Later prompts explore what movement, communication and self-expression might look like if judgement were removed.
Importantly, the resource does not pressure anyone to unmask. Safety, context and personal choice matter. Instead, users can identify places and people where they may feel safer, and one small thing they would like permission to stop performing.
The seven-page interactive PDF includes writable fields, a tailored message from Maggie, practical communication wording and further reading.
Part of the Neurodivergent expression series in the Space to Breathe Therapy Support Hub.
