
The Autistic Masking Workbook + Journal:
Exploring Masking as a Drive for Safety
Free
For many Autistic clients, masking — also called camouflaging — is not just about trying to “fit in.” At its core, masking is often a drive for safety: a way to protect against stigma, misunderstanding, or harm in non-affirming environments. While masking can serve as a survival strategy, it often comes at a cost. Prolonged masking is linked with exhaustion, burnout, identity confusion, and mental health struggles.
This workbook and companion journal provide a research-informed framework for exploring masking and unmasking. Designed for use with clients, it offers psychoeducation, guided reflections, and practical exercises that honor both the protective function of masking and the possibility of safe, gradual unmasking.