{"id":6751,"date":"2026-02-25T02:45:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T02:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/?p=6751"},"modified":"2026-02-25T02:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T02:45:20","slug":"unmasking-autism-in-adults-the-hidden-cost-of-masking-and-the-power-of-authentic-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/es\/unmasking-autism-in-adults-the-hidden-cost-of-masking-and-the-power-of-authentic-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many autistic adults reach a point in life where they feel deeply exhausted\u2014but cannot fully explain why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They may be successful in their careers.<br>They may appear socially capable.<br>They may seem \u201cfine\u201d on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet internally, they feel drained, anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often, this exhaustion is not random.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the result of something called masking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this blog, we will explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What masking in autism means<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why autistic adults learn to hide their traits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The emotional and physical toll masking can take<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The difference between masking and authenticity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How therapy and evaluation can help<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Masking in Autism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2.jpg 1320w\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"smiling woman with daughter\" class=\"wp-image-6756 lazyload\" style=\"width:550px\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman with daughter\" class=\"wp-image-6756\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6-2.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Masking, sometimes called \u201ccamouflaging,\u201d refers to the conscious or unconscious effort autistic individuals make to hide or suppress their natural traits in order to fit into social environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forcing eye contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehearsing conversations in advance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mimicking facial expressions or tone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hiding sensory sensitivities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suppressing stimming behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over-analyzing social interactions afterward<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many adults, masking begins in childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They may have received feedback such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou\u2019re too sensitive.\u201d<br>\u201cYou\u2019re awkward.\u201d<br>\u201cWhy can\u2019t you just act normal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, they learn that being themselves feels unsafe or socially risky. So they adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Masking becomes a survival strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do Autistic Adults Mask?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18.jpg 1659w\" decoding=\"async\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1024x576.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"autism spelled out\" class=\"wp-image-6754 lazyload\" style=\"width:550px\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"autism spelled out\" class=\"wp-image-6754\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/18.jpg 1659w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Masking often develops as a response to social pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many adults who are now seeking a formal autism evaluation were not identified as children. They learned to blend in, often at great personal cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common reasons for masking include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of rejection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workplace expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desire to maintain relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding bullying or criticism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pressure to appear \u201chigh-functioning\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For women and individuals assigned female at birth, masking is especially common. Social expectations around politeness, emotional awareness, and relationship management can increase the pressure to camouflage differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first glance, masking may seem helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can lead to academic success.<br>It can help someone keep a job.<br>It can reduce overt social conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But long-term masking often comes with significant consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Emotional and Physical Cost of Masking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Masking requires constant self-monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine tracking every facial expression.<br>Monitoring every tone of voice.<br>Analyzing every pause in conversation.<br>Filtering your natural responses in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now imagine doing that all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This level of hyper-awareness can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chronic fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ansiedad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depresi\u00f3n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased sensory overload<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional shutdown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many autistic adults describe coming home from work and feeling completely depleted. They may need hours\u2014or even days\u2014to recover from social interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some experience autistic burnout, a state of profound mental and physical exhaustion linked to prolonged masking and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burnout is not laziness.<br>It is not weakness.<br>It is a nervous system under strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Masking vs. Authenticity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12.jpg 1470w\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"smiling woman\" class=\"wp-image-6753 lazyload\" style=\"width:550px\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman\" class=\"wp-image-6753\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12.jpg 1470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Authenticity does not mean ignoring social norms altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It means allowing yourself to exist without constantly performing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accepting your communication style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Honoring your sensory needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting boundaries without guilt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing forced social behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognizing that different does not mean defective<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For some adults, discovering they are autistic later in life brings relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It provides language for experiences that never made sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It explains the exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It validates the struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it opens the door to living more authentically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Late Diagnosis and Self-Understanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many adults seek evaluation after years of misdiagnoses, including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, or personality disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While those conditions can co-occur, autism may have been overlooked\u2014especially in high-achieving individuals who masked effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A comprehensive adult autism evaluation can provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diagnostic clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better understanding of strengths and challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workplace or academic accommodations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A path toward self-acceptance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assessment is not about labeling.<br>It is about understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When someone understands their neurological profile, they can make informed decisions about how to live in a way that protects their energy and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Role of Therapy in Reducing Masking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therapy for autistic adults is not about teaching someone to \u201cact normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exploring identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Processing years of self-doubt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Addressing burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building self-advocacy skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developing sustainable coping strategies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many, therapy becomes a space where they do not have to perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That alone can be transformative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A supportive therapeutic relationship allows clients to explore who they are without judgment\u2014and to rebuild a sense of self that may have been hidden for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Are Not \u201cToo Much\u201d or \u201cNot Enough\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2.jpg 1320w\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"   data-src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"woman smiling with daughter\" class=\"wp-image-6755 lazyload\" style=\"width:550px\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"woman smiling with daughter\" class=\"wp-image-6755\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-2.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many adults who mask struggle with internal narratives such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m too sensitive.\u201d<br>\u201cI\u2019m not social enough.\u201d<br>\u201cI\u2019m too intense.\u201d<br>\u201cI\u2019m not trying hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These beliefs often form after years of feeling misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But neurological differences are not character flaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When someone spends their life adapting to fit environments that were not built for them, exhaustion is not surprising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding autism in adulthood allows space for compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And compassion allows healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the Next Step?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you recognize yourself in this description\u2014if social exhaustion feels constant, if you have spent years performing to fit in\u2014it may be time to explore this further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At SMPsychotherapy &amp; Counseling Services, we provide comprehensive autism evaluations for adults in Connecticut. We use structured, evidence-based tools, including the ADOS-2, along with a detailed clinical interview to ensure clarity and accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also offer therapy for autistic adults who are navigating burnout, identity exploration, anxiety, or late diagnosis adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not have to keep masking alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step is simple:<br>Schedule an intake appointment to discuss your concerns and determine whether an <a href=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/es\/comprehensive-adult-autism-evaluations-in-connecticut\/\">adult autism evaluation or therapy<\/a> is appropriate for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding yourself is not selfish.<br>It is empowering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact SMPsychotherapy &amp; Counseling Services today to begin your journey toward clarity, authenticity, and sustainable well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/es\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living Many autistic adults reach a point in life where they feel deeply exhausted\u2014but cannot fully explain why. They may be successful in their careers.They may [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6756,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autism-evaluation"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living - SMPsychotherapy and Counseling Services - Danbury &amp; Hartford, CT &amp; New York, NY<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/es\/unmasking-autism-in-adults-the-hidden-cost-of-masking-and-the-power-of-authentic-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living - SMPsychotherapy and Counseling Services - Danbury &amp; Hartford, CT &amp; New York, NY\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Unmasking Autism in Adults: The Hidden Cost of Masking and the Power of Authentic Living Many autistic adults reach a point in life where they feel deeply exhausted\u2014but cannot fully explain why. 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