The relationship between autistic camouflaging mental health: a scoping review - Takeaways - MDSpire

The relationship between autistic camouflaging mental health: a scoping review

  • By

  • Ellie Kiger Hodge

  • Katherine Kuhl Meltzoff

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Autistic camouflaging involves strategies to fit in socially by mimicking neurotypical behavior or suppressing ASD traits.

  • 2

    A review of 48 studies found a positive relationship between camouflaging and poor mental health, with effect sizes ranging from small to large.

  • 3

    Mental health issues were more closely related to assimilation behaviors than to compensation or masking strategies.

  • 4

    The relationship between camouflaging and mental health appears to be bidirectional, affecting both autistic and non-autistic individuals.

  • 5

    Caution is advised in promoting camouflaging behaviors in interventions due to their association with negative mental health outcomes.

Original Source(s)

The relationship between autistic camouflaging mental health: a scoping review

  • by Ellie Kiger Hodge, Katherine Kuhl Meltzoff

  • June 2, 2026

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