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Camouflaging in autism: A systematic review
Julia Cook1, Laura Hull1, Laura Crane2
1Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
Clinical Psychology Review
|September 26, 2021
Summary
Autistic camouflaging, masking autistic traits, is linked to greater effort in adults with autism. Higher self-reported camouflaging correlates with poorer mental health outcomes, highlighting a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Autistic individuals often use camouflaging strategies to navigate social environments.
- Camouflaging involves masking autistic differences and difficulties.
- Understanding autistic camouflaging is crucial for supporting autistic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on autistic camouflaging.
- To appraise methods used to quantify camouflaging behaviors.
- To identify preliminary findings and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of eight databases.
- Review of 29 studies involving children and adults with autism diagnoses or high autistic traits.
- Analysis of studies using internal-external discrepancy and self-report measures.
Main Results:
- Camouflaging measurement approaches relate to observable behaviors and self-perceived efforts.
- Adults with higher autistic traits report more camouflaging.
- Sex and gender differences in camouflaging were observed.
- Increased self-reported camouflaging is associated with negative mental health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest links between autistic traits, sex/gender, and camouflaging.
- Higher camouflaging is associated with poorer mental health.
- Limitations in participant characterization and representativeness necessitate cautious interpretation.
- Future research should refine understanding and measurement of autistic camouflaging.
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