> To keep your job and avoid conflict, you must "mask." Masking means hiding your natural habits and feelings, while imitating the social behaviors that coworkers expect.

is this even autism specific?? ha

"I was ashamed of myself when I realised life was a costume party and I attended with my real face" ― Franz Kafka

"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth" - Oscar Wilde

It's things like having a grating monotone, and having to pause before speaking and willing yourself to adopting the right tone for your state of mind and the effect you want to have on your audience. Every. Time. You. Speak.

It's like being an actor, except the whole world is your stage, and you have to be conscious of your character, lines, and motivation, the entire time you're awake.