Masking Our Many Faces

The unforgettable poem, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot contains this line, relevant to the discussion of “masking” among autistic people:

“There will be time, there will be time

To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet”

In the autistic world, consciousness is being raised about the what autistic people call “masking.” This is the covering up, or masking, of autistic traits in order to fit in with what has been called the “allistic,” or “neurotypical” ways of society and the status quo. This masking leads to exhaustion, anxiety and panic attacks, disassociation, meltdowns, loss of identity and instincts. It’s oppressive and denies one’s sovereignty.

Our current affairs — of having to wear a mask to guard ourselves and each other against COVID-19, as well as the discussion of racial justice finally being mainstream— has provided the “allistics” and those who benefit from white privilege an empathetic glimpse into the days and lives of those who feel the oppression of an ableist, racist society. Now we all grab a mask before we head out into the world. Now we all have limitations on how we can gather information based on social cues and how confusing it is. And now, capacity is being built for necessary changes, to bring forth a more inclusive world, in all the places and with all the faces that we meet.