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Behind the Mask: Separating Ourselves from the Facade
Episode 4 – Behind the Mask: Separating Myself from the Facade
For many autistic people, masking becomes a survival strategy—something we do to fit in, avoid judgment, or stay safe. But over time, that mask can become so deeply ingrained that we lose track of who we really are underneath.
In this episode, we explore the experience of autistic masking: what it looks like, how it develops, and the emotional toll it takes. We open up about our own histories with masking, the burnout it caused, and the difficult but freeing process of unmasking—of figuring out what was the act… and what was us all along.
Whether you’re late-diagnosed, currently questioning, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look at the often invisible burden of masking—and the power of finally letting it go.
Show Notes
18:38 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by:Devon Price PhD
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/
37:15 The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery : Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult by: Sol Smith
https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-autistics-guide-to-self-discovery
References
National Autistic Society. (2025, May 1). Masking. Retrieved from Autism.org.uk: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking
Credits
Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway
Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway
Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway
Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway
Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie
A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025
Follow Us:
Facebook: Apparently Autistic Podcast
Website: https://apparentlyautistic.podbean.com/
Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support means the world.
Video Recording:
Panasonic HC-WX991: https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k
Editing and Production Software:
PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...
Audio Recording and Editing Software:
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.
This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.
View all episodes
By Keith and Bridget HollowayEpisode 4 – Behind the Mask: Separating Myself from the Facade
For many autistic people, masking becomes a survival strategy—something we do to fit in, avoid judgment, or stay safe. But over time, that mask can become so deeply ingrained that we lose track of who we really are underneath.
In this episode, we explore the experience of autistic masking: what it looks like, how it develops, and the emotional toll it takes. We open up about our own histories with masking, the burnout it caused, and the difficult but freeing process of unmasking—of figuring out what was the act… and what was us all along.
Whether you’re late-diagnosed, currently questioning, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look at the often invisible burden of masking—and the power of finally letting it go.
Show Notes
18:38 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by:Devon Price PhD
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/
37:15 The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery : Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult by: Sol Smith
https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-autistics-guide-to-self-discovery
References
National Autistic Society. (2025, May 1). Masking. Retrieved from Autism.org.uk: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking
Credits
Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway
Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway
Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway
Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway
Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie
A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025
Follow Us:
Facebook: Apparently Autistic Podcast
Website: https://apparentlyautistic.podbean.com/
Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support means the world.
Video Recording:
Panasonic HC-WX991: https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k
Editing and Production Software:
PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...
Audio Recording and Editing Software:
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.
This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.