I think that this video has helped me develop some insight on how to spot high-masking autism, not just among women. I found a lot of the material covered in the video relatable even though I am male. Maybe that has something to do with our elevated rejection of established gender roles as a whole. Regardless, I like how rather than listing concrete signs, he gave a list of patterns that would be common to masking autistic women (I believe all genders, really) in a manner that could still be easily noticed. This also helped me understand that the cause of some autistic traits are not fundamental, but rather a result of masking. 🤯
Aside from the signs of masking autism, the ending hit me emotionally. He validates something that no one has really validated for me. I’ve been told my entire life that I was too much, not enough, or purposely trying to violate rules and norms out of some moral or character failing. It’s like I wanted to be careless/offensive or a loser. However, when he covered how much effort we put into masking and that it takes a lot of energy to do, I felt a validation I don’t remember ever experiencing. It’s like someone said, “I believe you’re doing your best.”
He also elaborates on the impact of when we tell someone that we’re autistic or have difficulties in certain areas and they invalidate it by saying that we’re not autistic or that we function normally. He then posits that when we unmask, we need others to validate that experience. I think that statement was not only directed at us, but others that have autistic people in their lives. I plan on using that to guide who I continue to allow in my life. If I need to mask or am invalidated by someone when I unmask, then they’re not a good fit for me, so I will interact with them less.
Ah, that makes sense. I think part of the author’s intention is possibly to help educate people that aren’t familiar with autism on signs that someone might be autistic but doing a good job at masking it. So that when someone that has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder comes out to them, the other person doesn’t invalidate the diagnosis, identity, or efforts the autistic person makes to function in normal society. I’m almost certain that the author of the video is not trying to help laypersons diagnose others (check out his channel if you’re interested in looking into it further). While I think that the info in the video may help some individuals develop some possible insight into uncommon behaviors, I believe a legitimate ASD diagnosis can only be provided by a trained specialist.