DEVELOPMENTAL TRAJECTORIES AND SOCIOCULTURAL INFLUENCES OF AUTISTIC SOCIAL CAMOUFLAGING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background and Aims. Social camouflaging refers to behaviours that autistic people use to appear non-autistic or “less” autistic, and to “pretend to be normal” in social situations and interactions. Although available research has examined the motivations, impact and strategies of camouflaging, little is known about how camouflaging develops over time. This study aims to explore the developmental trajectory of social camouflaging in relation to sociocultural factors (e.g. social support; work environments). Method. Eleven autistic Singaporean adults were interviewed in this qualitative study to explore when and how their experience of camouflaging began, continued, and changed over time, and how this was influenced by different sociocultural experiences. Results. Thematic analysis was conducted and four aspects of camouflaging (motivations, impact, strategies and success) over four developmental stages (pre-camouflaging, origins, continuity and change) were identified. Findings showed that some participants started camouflaging at a relatively young age (primary and secondary school) but their camouflaging experience had developed differently due to various sociocultural influences. Conclusions. Given that camouflaging may negatively impact the mental well-being of autistic people, this study has implications for informing clinical assessments and social environments to improve diagnostic processes and support autistic people in managing the costs of camouflaging.