https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.derby.ac.uk/doi/full/10.1002/aur.2407

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Nothing About Us Without Us

Who: Hull, Petrides, Mandy

Journal: Autism Research

Published: October 2020

Title: Cognitive Predictors of Self-Reported Camouflaging in Autistic Adolescents

Study:

Camouflaging in autistic adolescents aged 13-18 without intellectual disabilities is related to executive functioning abilities, and is not related to age, IQ, or theory of mind.

Camouflaging includes:

Masking:

using specific strategies to hide that one is autistic

Compensation:

using specific strategies to overcome specific social difficulties

Assimilation:

using specific strategies to blend in in social situations

Age:

Between the ages of 13 and 18, there were no differences in camouflaging abilities related to age. The 13 year olds camouflaged to the same extent as 18 year olds, despite big differences in their cognitive ability and social experiences. It will be important to do research to find out at what age camouflaging begins.

IQ:

The participants of this study had IQs which ranged between 71-130. IQ was not related to camouflaging, suggesting that camouflaging is not more likely in people with higher IQs. There should be research into camouflaging for individuals with IQs lower than 70.

Theory of Mind:

Theory of mind (being able to predict how others are thinking) was not related to camouflaging, suggesting that camouflaging may be more about internal processes, rather than concern about how others see us.

Executive Functioning:

Executive functioning was related to camouflaging, especially compensation. This may be because compensation requires the identification of specific skills to develop, practice, and refine.