The relationship between autistic camouflaging mental health: a scoping review
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By
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Ellie Kiger Hodge
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Katherine Kuhl Meltzoff
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June 2, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Exploring the Connection Between Autistic Camouflaging and Mental Health: A Scoping Review
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Autistic Camouflaging |
| Key Mechanisms | Conscious and unconscious strategies to fit in socially, mimic neurotypical behavior, or suppress ASD traits. |
| Target Population | Autistic individuals and non-autistic individuals. |
| Care Setting | Research and clinical settings focusing on autism and mental health. |
Key Highlights
- Positive relationship between camouflaging and poor mental health.
- Effect sizes for the relationship range from small to large.
- Mental health issues relate more with assimilation than with compensation or masking.
- Bidirectional relationship between camouflaging and mental health.
- Similar relationships observed in non-autistic individuals.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) for assessing autism severity.
Management
- Caution against encouraging camouflaging behaviors, particularly assimilation, in interventions.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor mental health outcomes in individuals exhibiting camouflaging behaviors.
Risks
- Potential negative effects of camouflaging on mental and emotional health.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and potentially non-autistic individuals.
Further research needed to understand the implications of camouflaging on mental health.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate qualitative insights from autistic individuals in research and clinical practice.
- Utilize validated measures like the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) for assessment.
Related Resources & Content
