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submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by un_mask_me@hexbear.net to c/disabled@hexbear.net

"Disability doesn't make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does."

A transcript of the video is available on the Ted Talk Website in 35 languages


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Mask up, love one another, and stay alive for one more week.

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[-] Dort_Owl@hexbear.net 8 points 1 day ago

Learning to unmask is hard. I am so tired.

[-] Moss@hexbear.net 4 points 7 hours ago

What does unmasking mean? I've heard the term a lot but I don't know how I would even begin to do it

[-] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 4 points 2 hours ago

From what I understand, unmasking is the process of someone on the spectrum trying to seem like they are not on the spectrum. Masking is the process of trying to blend in with neurotypical people, which takes up a lot of energy throughout each day and leaves a lot of neurodivergent people permanently exhausted (sometimes even in burnout). The masking process can originate from multiple sources, ranging from a personal desire not to be seen as "different" and to "just fit in" to others expecting of neurodivergent people to "just act normal". This can take many shapes, not all of them are abusive, but what it ultimately leads to is a difficulty in being yourself, or a dissociative state where neurodivergent people do not know who they actually are.

(If anyone has a better explanation and/or would like to correct me, please do so!)

[-] edie@lemmy.encryptionin.space 2 points 1 hour ago

unmasking is the process of someone on the spectrum trying to seem like they are not on the spectrum.

I think you made a mistake.


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[-] TheSpectreOfGay@hexbear.net 4 points 22 hours ago

i lost my ability to mask at all like a year or two ago and man it's been awful

meow-hug

[-] Dort_Owl@hexbear.net 4 points 21 hours ago

Level 1 Autism Diagnosis and I only found out I had it like, halfway through last year. Turns out it wasn't only ADHD and powering through it for like 30 years takes its toll. It was a hell of a ride to get diagnosed too. Expensive and painful.

yea

Thank you for the hug

[-] TheSpectreOfGay@hexbear.net 4 points 19 hours ago

im still waiting on being assessed, most places won't do it because I also have dissassociative symptoms? but i at least live in a country with free assessments. the wait list is just like, 3-4 years...

but yea i did pr much the same thing. my shock when i can't work hard through all of life's problems trans-sad

this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2026
31 points (100.0% liked)

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