Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does masking, a coping mechanism used by autistic people to conform to neurotypical expectations, impact mental health?
Masking, or the act of concealing or suppressing one's authentic self in order to fit in with neurotypical expectations, can have negative consequences for the mental health of autistic individuals. While masking may help autistic people avoid stigma and discrimination in the short term, it can also lead to feelings of internal conflict, stress, and burnout over time. This is because individuals must constantly exert effort to suppress their natural tendencies and conform to societal norms that may not come naturally to them. These emotional strains can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even burnout.