Understanding Unmasking Autism and Identity with Dr. Megan Anna Neff | The Autistic Burnout Workbook

Video Description

Dr. Megan Anna Neff: “Masking is a trauma response. It’s also a survival strategy.” What happens when you spend a lifetime performing a version of yourself to feel safe? And what does it mean to finally let that mask go? Dr. Megan Anna Neff returns to talk about the connection between autistic masking and autistic burnout. Dr Neff is a psychologist, author, and founder of Neurodivergent Insights and the author of The Autistic Burnout Workbook and Self Care for Autistic People. In this conversation we dive into the lived experience of autistic masking and unmasking. @NeurodivergentInsightsTV We go far beyond the surface of "what is masking" and into the emotional and psychological cost, the privileges and safety it can provide, and how unmasking often initiates a profound identity journey. For me, coming out was the start of unmasking my autism. 🔍 Topics we cover: *Why masking starts so young — and why it’s often unconscious *How masking affects identity, joy, and mental health *The intersection of masking with race, gender, and code-switching *Unmasking and queerness: what happens when we give ourselves permission *Real strategies for masking with intention and care *Why community is essential for identity work and healing *Whether you're newly diagnosed, questioning your identity, or years into your neurodivergent journey — this conversation offers insight, compassion, and powerful language to help you feel seen. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - Why masking is not just social strategy—it’s trauma and protection 03:50 - The privilege and cost of masking across identities 07:21 - Code-switching, burnout, and the mental health toll 13:00 - The language we use to describe masking — and how that changes everything 20:50 - Neuroqueering: Identity, unmasking, and the intersection with queerness 25:26 - The power of affirmation, community, and relational healing 32:00 - Masking in relationships — why nuance matters 33:56 - Why unmasking takes time—and how to do it safely **📚 Links Mentioned:** - Order Dr. Neff's **Autistic Burnout Workbook**: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507223062 - Dr. Neff's Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com -Order Dr. Neff's Self Care for Autistic People: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507221938 More about Neuroqueering: https://neuroqueer.com/neuroqueer-an-introduction/ 🔗 Subscribe for more conversations on ADHD, autism, and thriving at work: @AuDHDBoss 📖 Learn more about Dr. Neff: https://www.neurodivergentinsights.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentinsights https://neurodivergentinsights.substack.com @divergentconversations 🌐 More resources (including a transcript of this video) and coaching information at: https://www.audhdboss.com Substack: https://substack.com/@brettwhitmarsh 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search "The AudHD Boss" #Autism #Unmasking #DrMeganAnnaNeff #Neurodivergent #Masking #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #QueerAndNeurodivergent #NeurodivergentIdentity #MentalHealth #AutismInAdults 💬 Let us know what type of sensory content you'd like to see next. 📣 Have questions or topics you want me to cover? Drop them in the comments! 🎥 YouTube & Podcast Helping neurodivergent professionals thrive in the corporate workplace. 📌 Follow me for weekly insights on navigating ADHD and autism in the workplace, corporate culture tips, and professional growth strategies. 🚀 Stay Connected & Learn More:Website: https://audhdboss.com 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w9O1H4FtK6qqkbH9TkS6w?si=9c1159cc626e4193 • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/audhd-boss-neurodiversity-at-work/id1782444867 📺 Subscribe to My YouTube Channel: ⁠AudHDBoss⁠ 🔑 Topics Covered in My Content: ADHD in the workplace, Autism awareness and corporate challenges, Managing neurodivergent teams, Professional growth for ADHD & autistic employees, Coaching tips for workplace success 🌟 Join the Neurodivergent Professional Community and gain practical advice on self-advocacy, performance reviews, reducing anxiety, and celebrating your unique strengths in the workplace! 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share this episode if it resonated with you!Subscribe for more content on autism and ADHD in the corporate workplace!