A mask that eats the face: neurotypicality and autistic doctoral researchers

Bobbie Jay White, Claire O’Neill and C.J. Griffin

Chapter 3 in Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health, 2024, pp 64-77 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter is a collaborative project written by three neurodivergent doctoral researchers. It explores the phenomenon of Autistic masking in academia, through the lens of the neurodiversity paradigm, and its relationship with mental health difficulties. This autoethnographic account has a three-pronged purpose: (1) to communicate the need within academia to recognize Autistic staff, students, academics, and the conditions that allow them to thrive, (2) to advise fellow Autistics how to survive in institutions that are not yet equipped to support Autistic flourishing, and (3) to provide neurodiverse readers (that is, readers of all neurotypes) with a list of resources that will aid goals (1) and (2). Several broad themes are discussed throughout the chapter and include intersectionality, double-consciousness, self-division, ontological insecurity and power relations within academia. As thematic exploration of Autistic masking becomes more nuanced throughout the chapter, themes begin to reflect this fine-grained approach and include energy accounting, Autistic burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Keywords: Business and Management; Education; Environment; General Academic Interest (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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