Autistic masking - Revision history

Editor at 12:01, 13 January 2022

2022-01-13T12:01:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 13 January 2022
Line 99:		Line 99:
	--[[User:The_Institution_of_Civil_Engineers\|The Institution of Civil Engineers]]		--[[User:The_Institution_of_Civil_Engineers\|The Institution of Civil Engineers]]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* A-Z of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion		* A-Z of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Editor at 12:00, 13 January 2022

2022-01-13T12:00:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 13 January 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:~~Autistic masking~~.png\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3zohkGb3A&t=2s]]	+	[[File:Autistic_masking.png\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3zohkGb3A&t=2s]]

	Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.		Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.
Line 105:		Line 105:
	* Diversity.		* Diversity.
	* Equality.		* Equality.
		+	* Government offers support package to help autistic people into work.
	* Inclusion.		* Inclusion.
	* Neurodiverse		* Neurodiverse

Designing Buildings at 08:28, 5 April 2021

2021-04-05T08:28:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:28, 5 April 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	[[File:Autistic masking.png\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3zohkGb3A&t=2s]]
		+
	Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.		Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.

Designing Buildings at 08:25, 5 April 2021

2021-04-05T08:25:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:25, 5 April 2021
Line 93:		Line 93:
	[https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/civil-engineer-profiles/ayo-sokale Ayo Sokale] is a chartered civil engineer, working at the Environment Agency. She's also a past ICE President’s Future Leader, and Labour and Cooperative councillor for Caversham.		[https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/civil-engineer-profiles/ayo-sokale Ayo Sokale] is a chartered civil engineer, working at the Environment Agency. She's also a past ICE President’s Future Leader, and Labour and Cooperative councillor for Caversham.

−	This article was originally published on the [https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2021/world-little-no-consideration-for-autistic-people ~~https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2021/world-little-no-consideration-for-autistic-people~~] on 1 April 2021.	+	This article was originally published on the [https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2021/world-little-no-consideration-for-autistic-people ICE Community Bog] on 1 April 2021.

	--[[User:The_Institution_of_Civil_Engineers\|The Institution of Civil Engineers]]		--[[User:The_Institution_of_Civil_Engineers\|The Institution of Civil Engineers]]
−
−	~~= Related links =~~
−
−	* Find out more about why Ayo [https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/march-2021/why-civil-engineer-ayo-sokale-reveals-autism decided to speak up about her Asperger's diagnosis for the first time] this week.
−	* The [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ ICE Benevolent Fund] offers support for ICE members and their immediate families living with autism. For more information, [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ click here]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 08:23, 5 April 2021

2021-04-05T08:23:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 5 April 2021
Line 67:		Line 67:
	We must stop shouting diversity if we are only seeking diverse exteriors without diverse minds, thinking styles, abilities, and so on.		We must stop shouting diversity if we are only seeking diverse exteriors without diverse minds, thinking styles, abilities, and so on.

−	== What changes can you make? ==	+	= What changes can you make? =

	Here are some suggestions for more inclusive communication:		Here are some suggestions for more inclusive communication:

−	* Be honest and straightforward;	+	* Be honest and straightforward.
−	* Ditch the sarcasm and irony;	+	* Ditch the sarcasm and irony.
−	* Be respectful and patient~~; and~~	+	* Be respectful and patient.
	* If someone is being blunt, ask them, and don’t assume they know.		* If someone is being blunt, ask them, and don’t assume they know.

Line 104:		Line 104:
	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

−	~~Neurodiverse~~	+	* A-Z of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
−		+	* Accessibility.
−	Inclusion.	+	* Diversity.
−		+	* Equality.
−	Diversity.	+	* Inclusion.
−		+	* Neurodiverse
−	Equality.	+	* Protected characteristics.
−		+
−	Protected characteristics.	+

	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:People]]		[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:People]]

Designing Buildings at 08:20, 5 April 2021

2021-04-05T08:20:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:20, 5 April 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.		Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.

−	~~-----~~	+	= Introduction =
		+
	To be authentic is to not be a copy, and to be a unique expression of self. However, we often put forward the 'self’ that makes us accepted in the world, and this means masking who we are and the things that get us disapproved and make us vulnerable. It also means we copy the things we’ve seen make others succeed.		To be authentic is to not be a copy, and to be a unique expression of self. However, we often put forward the 'self’ that makes us accepted in the world, and this means masking who we are and the things that get us disapproved and make us vulnerable. It also means we copy the things we’ve seen make others succeed.

−	~~<br />~~
	If this sounds familiar to you, maybe you’ll relate to autistic masking.		If this sounds familiar to you, maybe you’ll relate to autistic masking.

−		+	= What is autistic masking? =
−		+
−	== What is autistic masking? ==	+

	Autistic masking is when an autistic person camouflages as a survival strategy. This can appear as any of the following:		Autistic masking is when an autistic person camouflages as a survival strategy. This can appear as any of the following:

−	* Forcing or faking eye contact during conversations,	+	* Forcing or faking eye contact during conversations.
−	* ~~imitating~~ smiles and other facial expressions,	+	* Imitating smiles and other facial expressions.
−	* ~~mimicking~~ gestures,	+	* Mimicking gestures.
−	* ~~hiding~~ or minimising personal interests,	+	* Hiding or minimising personal interests.
−	* ~~developing~~ a repertoire of rehearsed responses to questions,	+	* Developing a repertoire of rehearsed responses to questions.
−	* ~~scripting~~ conversations~~, and~~	+	* Scripting conversations.
−	* ~~disguising~~ stimming (repetitive sounds or movements) behaviours.	+	* Disguising stimming (repetitive sounds or movements) behaviours.

	This is often done as the person recognises the importance of appearing neurotypical, either to avoid being bullied, harassed, socially outcasted, to get or keep a job, and to fit in.		This is often done as the person recognises the importance of appearing neurotypical, either to avoid being bullied, harassed, socially outcasted, to get or keep a job, and to fit in.

−	== What are the problems of autistic masking? ==	+	= What are the problems of autistic masking? =

	This may seem like a good idea. However, long term, this can lead to autistic burnout, or worse.<br />		This may seem like a good idea. However, long term, this can lead to autistic burnout, or worse.<br />
Line 31:		Line 29:
	Meanwhile, [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774853 another study] says that autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population.		Meanwhile, [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774853 another study] says that autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population.

−	== The link between autism and innovation ==	+	= The link between autism and innovation =

−	Contrary to popular culture references, not all autistic people are savant and super geniuses. In fact, though special ~~abilitiesare~~ more common ~~inautismthan~~ in other groups, a study in [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946713000962#:~:text=Taken%20together%2C%20these%20findings%20indicate,to%20milder%20clinical%20ASD%20presentation Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders] shows that only 28% of autistic people have special talent.<br />	+	Contrary to popular culture references, not all autistic people are savant and super geniuses. In fact, though special abilities are more common in autism than in other groups, a study in [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946713000962#:~:text=Taken%20together%2C%20these%20findings%20indicate,to%20milder%20clinical%20ASD%20presentation Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders] shows that only 28% of autistic people have special talent.<br />
	<br />		<br />
	However, Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, the director of Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre, has linked autism to innovation, stating that the autistic brain preference for systemising seeks out “if-and-then” patterns, and it’s this pattern of thinking that allows us to invent.<br />		However, Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, the director of Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre, has linked autism to innovation, stating that the autistic brain preference for systemising seeks out “if-and-then” patterns, and it’s this pattern of thinking that allows us to invent.<br />
Line 43:		Line 41:
	[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774847 Another] found that two-thirds had felt suicidal and one-third had attempted to take their own life. Therefore, though our autistic minds are highly valued, more work is needed to include autistic people and improve their life outcomes.		[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774847 Another] found that two-thirds had felt suicidal and one-third had attempted to take their own life. Therefore, though our autistic minds are highly valued, more work is needed to include autistic people and improve their life outcomes.

−	== What can we do to embrace neurodiversity? ==	+	= What can we do to embrace neurodiversity? =

	The focus should be on communication. Communication is all about understanding each other and ensuring ideas can be translated from one mind to another. As all people have inherent differences, we should be thinking about how we do this effectively.<br />		The focus should be on communication. Communication is all about understanding each other and ensuring ideas can be translated from one mind to another. As all people have inherent differences, we should be thinking about how we do this effectively.<br />
Line 49:		Line 47:
	If we always take the approach when meeting new people that everyone is neuro-diverse, we can all benefit.		If we always take the approach when meeting new people that everyone is neuro-diverse, we can all benefit.

−	== Valuing the differences - instead of just ‘sameness’ ==	+	= Valuing the differences - instead of just ‘sameness’ =

	We say we want diversity, and the great outcome diversity brings, when in fact we push for homogeneity for simplicity, and create all systems, from education to infrastructure, for a fictional ‘normal’ person.<br />		We say we want diversity, and the great outcome diversity brings, when in fact we push for homogeneity for simplicity, and create all systems, from education to infrastructure, for a fictional ‘normal’ person.<br />
Line 59:		Line 57:
	In the case of neurodiversity, the world is still set up in a way where you have to mask or conform by behaving in a neurotypical way. The world has little to no consideration for us in its design, from little things like a shopping mall playing loud music to large-scale assumption that everyone thinks similarly and the resulting friction.		In the case of neurodiversity, the world is still set up in a way where you have to mask or conform by behaving in a neurotypical way. The world has little to no consideration for us in its design, from little things like a shopping mall playing loud music to large-scale assumption that everyone thinks similarly and the resulting friction.

−	== The need for change ==	+	= The need for change =

	Humanity is at a crossroads, facing an existential climate change crisis. The actions and the mindset that got us here won’t get us out of this.<br />		Humanity is at a crossroads, facing an existential climate change crisis. The actions and the mindset that got us here won’t get us out of this.<br />
Line 90:		Line 88:
	Making the changes for a neurodiverse person is no different to making provision of a ramp for a wheelchair user.<br />		Making the changes for a neurodiverse person is no different to making provision of a ramp for a wheelchair user.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	The neurotypical and neurodiverse person are equally valuable, however they’re not the same. We don’t have to be the same, act the same, and look the same to be valuable. Our differences can be a strength, if we let it be.~~<br />~~	+	The neurotypical and neurodiverse person are equally valuable, however they’re not the same. We don’t have to be the same, act the same, and look the same to be valuable. Our differences can be a strength, if we let it be.
−		+

	-----		-----
Line 106:		Line 103:

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	Neurodiverse
		+
		+	Inclusion.
		+
		+	Diversity.
		+
		+	Equality.
		+
		+	Protected characteristics.

	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:People]]		[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:People]]

Designing Buildings at 08:13, 5 April 2021

2021-04-05T08:13:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:13, 5 April 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.		Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.

−	* Updated: 01 April, 2021	+	-----
−	* Author: [mailto:community@ice.org.uk Ayo Sokale], chartered civil engineer and past ICE President's Future Leader	+	To be authentic is to not be a copy, and to be a unique expression of self. However, we often put forward the 'self’ that makes us accepted in the world, and this means masking who we are and the things that get us disapproved and make us vulnerable. It also means we copy the things we’ve seen make others succeed.
−		+
−	To be authentic is to not be a copy, and to be a unique expression of self. However, we often put forward the 'self’ that makes us accepted in the world, and this means masking who we are and the things that get us disapproved and make us vulnerable. It also means we copy the things we’ve seen make others succeed.~~<br />~~	+
−		+

		+	<br />
	If this sounds familiar to you, maybe you’ll relate to autistic masking.		If this sounds familiar to you, maybe you’ll relate to autistic masking.

−	~~=== Related links ===~~

−	* Find out more about why Ayo [https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/march-2021/why-civil-engineer-ayo-sokale-reveals-autism decided to speak up about her Asperger's diagnosis for the first time] this week.
−	* The [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ ICE Benevolent Fund] offers support for ICE members and their immediate families living with autism. For more information, [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ click here]

	== What is autistic masking? ==		== What is autistic masking? ==
Line 26:		Line 21:
	* disguising stimming (repetitive sounds or movements) behaviours.		* disguising stimming (repetitive sounds or movements) behaviours.

−	This is often done as the person recognises the importance of appearing neurotypical, either to avoid being bullied, harassed, socially outcasted, to get or keep a job, and to fit in.~~<br />~~	+	This is often done as the person recognises the importance of appearing neurotypical, either to avoid being bullied, harassed, socially outcasted, to get or keep a job, and to fit in.
−		+

	== What are the problems of autistic masking? ==		== What are the problems of autistic masking? ==
Line 35:		Line 29:
	Autistic burnout was defined in the [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2019.0079? Autism in Adulthood journal] as ‘having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew’. This can manifest as chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus.<br />		Autistic burnout was defined in the [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2019.0079? Autism in Adulthood journal] as ‘having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew’. This can manifest as chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	Meanwhile, [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774853 another study] says that autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population.~~<br />~~	+	Meanwhile, [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774853 another study] says that autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population.
−		+

	== The link between autism and innovation ==		== The link between autism and innovation ==
Line 48:		Line 41:
	Yet, a [https://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/government-pledges-to-monitor-autism-employment-gap-for-the-first-time recent survey] estimated that only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment.<br />		Yet, a [https://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/government-pledges-to-monitor-autism-employment-gap-for-the-first-time recent survey] estimated that only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774847 Another] found that two-thirds had felt suicidal and one-third had attempted to take their own life. Therefore, though our autistic minds are highly valued, more work is needed to include autistic people and improve their life outcomes.~~<br />~~	+	[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774847 Another] found that two-thirds had felt suicidal and one-third had attempted to take their own life. Therefore, though our autistic minds are highly valued, more work is needed to include autistic people and improve their life outcomes.
−		+

	== What can we do to embrace neurodiversity? ==		== What can we do to embrace neurodiversity? ==
Line 55:		Line 47:
	The focus should be on communication. Communication is all about understanding each other and ensuring ideas can be translated from one mind to another. As all people have inherent differences, we should be thinking about how we do this effectively.<br />		The focus should be on communication. Communication is all about understanding each other and ensuring ideas can be translated from one mind to another. As all people have inherent differences, we should be thinking about how we do this effectively.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	If we always take the approach when meeting new people that everyone is neuro-diverse, we can all benefit.~~<br />~~	+	If we always take the approach when meeting new people that everyone is neuro-diverse, we can all benefit.
−		+

	== Valuing the differences - instead of just ‘sameness’ ==		== Valuing the differences - instead of just ‘sameness’ ==
Line 66:		Line 57:
	It may be what makes us feel safe, to be surrounded by people that are just like us. However, what’s the point in saying we value difference, if when it counts, we ask people to be the same?<br />		It may be what makes us feel safe, to be surrounded by people that are just like us. However, what’s the point in saying we value difference, if when it counts, we ask people to be the same?<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	In the case of neurodiversity, the world is still set up in a way where you have to mask or conform by behaving in a neurotypical way. The world has little to no consideration for us in its design, from little things like a shopping mall playing loud music to large-scale assumption that everyone thinks similarly and the resulting friction.~~<br />~~	+	In the case of neurodiversity, the world is still set up in a way where you have to mask or conform by behaving in a neurotypical way. The world has little to no consideration for us in its design, from little things like a shopping mall playing loud music to large-scale assumption that everyone thinks similarly and the resulting friction.
−		+

	== The need for change ==		== The need for change ==
Line 77:		Line 67:
	This is already seen in the push for gender diversity in STEM, higher public office or even Fortune 500 companies. In the bid to increase female representation, we often ask women to model themselves against male leadership or what the stereotypes of how leadership should be performed. Is that diversity? No! It is simply replication.<br />		This is already seen in the push for gender diversity in STEM, higher public office or even Fortune 500 companies. In the bid to increase female representation, we often ask women to model themselves against male leadership or what the stereotypes of how leadership should be performed. Is that diversity? No! It is simply replication.<br />
	<br />		<br />
−	We must stop shouting diversity if we are only seeking diverse exteriors without diverse minds, thinking styles, abilities, and so on.~~<br />~~	+	We must stop shouting diversity if we are only seeking diverse exteriors without diverse minds, thinking styles, abilities, and so on.
−		+

	== What changes can you make? ==		== What changes can you make? ==
Line 102:		Line 91:
	<br />		<br />
	The neurotypical and neurodiverse person are equally valuable, however they’re not the same. We don’t have to be the same, act the same, and look the same to be valuable. Our differences can be a strength, if we let it be.<br />		The neurotypical and neurodiverse person are equally valuable, however they’re not the same. We don’t have to be the same, act the same, and look the same to be valuable. Our differences can be a strength, if we let it be.<br />
−	~~<br />~~	+
		+
		+	-----
	[https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/civil-engineer-profiles/ayo-sokale Ayo Sokale] is a chartered civil engineer, working at the Environment Agency. She's also a past ICE President’s Future Leader, and Labour and Cooperative councillor for Caversham.		[https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/civil-engineer-profiles/ayo-sokale Ayo Sokale] is a chartered civil engineer, working at the Environment Agency. She's also a past ICE President’s Future Leader, and Labour and Cooperative councillor for Caversham.
		+
		+	This article was originally published on the [https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2021/world-little-no-consideration-for-autistic-people https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2021/world-little-no-consideration-for-autistic-people] on 1 April 2021.
		+
		+	--[[User:The_Institution_of_Civil_Engineers\|The Institution of Civil Engineers]]
		+
		+	= Related links =
		+
		+	* Find out more about why Ayo [https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/march-2021/why-civil-engineer-ayo-sokale-reveals-autism decided to speak up about her Asperger's diagnosis for the first time] this week.
		+	* The [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ ICE Benevolent Fund] offers support for ICE members and their immediate families living with autism. For more information, [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ click here]
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:People]]

Designing Buildings: Created page with "Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the indus..."

2021-04-05T08:10:53Z

Created page with "Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the indus..."

New page

Ayo Sokale, chartered civil engineer at the Environment Agency, recently revealed that she’s autistic. Here, she explains the struggles of being neurodiverse and asks the industry if they could be doing more to build a world that values, rather than suppresses, differences.

* Updated: 01 April, 2021
* Author: [mailto:community@ice.org.uk Ayo Sokale], chartered civil engineer and past ICE President's Future Leader

To be authentic is to not be a copy, and to be a unique expression of self. However, we often put forward the 'self’ that makes us accepted in the world, and this means masking who we are and the things that get us disapproved and make us vulnerable. It also means we copy the things we’ve seen make others succeed. 

If this sounds familiar to you, maybe you’ll relate to autistic masking.

=== Related links ===

* Find out more about why Ayo [https://ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/march-2021/why-civil-engineer-ayo-sokale-reveals-autism decided to speak up about her Asperger's diagnosis for the first time] this week.
* The [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ ICE Benevolent Fund] offers support for ICE members and their immediate families living with autism. For more information, [https://www.icebenfund.com/our-services/wellbeing-support/national-autistic-society/ click here]

== What is autistic masking? ==

Autistic masking is when an autistic person camouflages as a survival strategy. This can appear as any of the following:

* Forcing or faking eye contact during conversations,
* imitating smiles and other facial expressions,
* mimicking gestures,
* hiding or minimising personal interests,
* developing a repertoire of rehearsed responses to questions,
* scripting conversations, and
* disguising stimming (repetitive sounds or movements) behaviours.

This is often done as the person recognises the importance of appearing neurotypical, either to avoid being bullied, harassed, socially outcasted, to get or keep a job, and to fit in. 

== What are the problems of autistic masking? ==

This may seem like a good idea. However, long term, this can lead to autistic burnout, or worse. 
 
Autistic burnout was defined in the [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2019.0079? Autism in Adulthood journal] as ‘having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew’. This can manifest as chronic exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus. 
 
Meanwhile, [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774853 another study] says that autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population. 

== The link between autism and innovation ==

Contrary to popular culture references, not all autistic people are savant and super geniuses. In fact, though special abilitiesare more common inautismthan in other groups, a study in [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946713000962#:~:text=Taken%20together%2C%20these%20findings%20indicate,to%20milder%20clinical%20ASD%20presentation Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders] shows that only 28% of autistic people have special talent. 
 
However, Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, the director of Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre, has linked autism to innovation, stating that the autistic brain preference for systemising seeks out “if-and-then” patterns, and it’s this pattern of thinking that allows us to invent. 
 
He says in his book [https://inews.co.uk/culture/books/simon-baron-cohen-autistic-people-autism-invention-asperger-syndrome-825318 The Pattern Seekers] that the genes for “hyper-systemising” minds can often be found in people in science and engineering, as well as those with autism. 
 
Yet, a [https://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/government-pledges-to-monitor-autism-employment-gap-for-the-first-time recent survey] estimated that only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment. 
 
[https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774847 Another] found that two-thirds had felt suicidal and one-third had attempted to take their own life. Therefore, though our autistic minds are highly valued, more work is needed to include autistic people and improve their life outcomes. 

== What can we do to embrace neurodiversity? ==

The focus should be on communication. Communication is all about understanding each other and ensuring ideas can be translated from one mind to another. As all people have inherent differences, we should be thinking about how we do this effectively. 
 
If we always take the approach when meeting new people that everyone is neuro-diverse, we can all benefit. 

== Valuing the differences - instead of just ‘sameness’ ==

We say we want diversity, and the great outcome diversity brings, when in fact we push for homogeneity for simplicity, and create all systems, from education to infrastructure, for a fictional ‘normal’ person. 
 
It often makes me think we only really value ‘sameness’. 
 
It may be what makes us feel safe, to be surrounded by people that are just like us. However, what’s the point in saying we value difference, if when it counts, we ask people to be the same? 
 
In the case of neurodiversity, the world is still set up in a way where you have to mask or conform by behaving in a neurotypical way. The world has little to no consideration for us in its design, from little things like a shopping mall playing loud music to large-scale assumption that everyone thinks similarly and the resulting friction. 

== The need for change ==

Humanity is at a crossroads, facing an existential climate change crisis. The actions and the mindset that got us here won’t get us out of this. 
 
We need different minds to solve it and we don’t need to make these different minds homogenous by forcing them to fit the existing system, as that will only lead to more of the same. 
 
This is already seen in the push for gender diversity in STEM, higher public office or even Fortune 500 companies. In the bid to increase female representation, we often ask women to model themselves against male leadership or what the stereotypes of how leadership should be performed. Is that diversity? No! It is simply replication. 
 
We must stop shouting diversity if we are only seeking diverse exteriors without diverse minds, thinking styles, abilities, and so on. 

== What changes can you make? ==

Here are some suggestions for more inclusive communication:

* Be honest and straightforward;
* Ditch the sarcasm and irony;
* Be respectful and patient; and
* If someone is being blunt, ask them, and don’t assume they know.

Here are some questions for employers:

* Are your team events accessible and inclusive? For example, is a weekend away sharing a room with bunk beds, an inclusive activity?
* Is career progression tied up in attending social events, masking or seeming neurotypical?

Here are some questions for the wider industry:

* Engineering is about the built environment. There should be roles here suited for different types of people and their learning preferences and communication styles. How are we communicating what we do?
* As we focussed on the holistic outcome of our work? How are we showing you can be a competent engineer by having the depth, but little breadth, allowing space for those who prefer a hyper focus on a specialism?

Making the changes for a neurodiverse person is no different to making provision of a ramp for a wheelchair user. 
 
The neurotypical and neurodiverse person are equally valuable, however they’re not the same. We don’t have to be the same, act the same, and look the same to be valuable. Our differences can be a strength, if we let it be. 
 
[https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/civil-engineer-profiles/ayo-sokale Ayo Sokale] is a chartered civil engineer, working at the Environment Agency. She's also a past ICE President’s Future Leader, and Labour and Cooperative councillor for Caversham.