Masking and Social Camouflaging in Autism: Contexts, Challenges, and Pathways
A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2026 | Viewed by 57
Special Issue Editor
Interests: childhood development; development of emotions; atypical development; neurodiversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on the contexts in which autistic masking occurs, the challenges associated with these practices, and possible pathways toward recognition and support in clinical and applied settings. Masking may arise in educational settings, peer groups, families, or workplaces, often shaping identity development and social relationships, with important implications for mental health, wellbeing, and clinical outcomes. We encourage submissions that explore challenges associated with sustained masking, such as stress, burnout, or reduced authenticity, alongside studies that consider adaptive aspects and resilience. We particularly welcome submissions that examine the clinical relevance of masking, including its association with mental health difficulties, diagnostic processes, and treatment engagement. Studies that evaluate clinical interventions, therapeutic approaches, and service delivery models aimed at reducing the negative impact of masking or supporting authenticity are strongly encouraged. Pathways may refer to developmental trajectories, interventions, and policy responses that create more inclusive environments. Given ongoing debate about the constructs of “masking” and “social camouflaging”, and the specific application to autism, we also encourage contributions that critically evaluate these concepts and its terminologies. Submissions may include quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies, longitudinal developmental research, intervention and policy analysis, or participatory research led by autistic people.
Dr. Gemma Reynolds
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder
- masking
- clinical outcomes
- diagnosis and assessment
- peer relationships
- mental health
- stress and burnout
- intervention/therapeutic approaches
- identity and social functioning
- policy and inclusive environments
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