Session Overview
Recognising and Responding to High Masking in Neurodivergent Learners
Some neurodivergent young people seem to be coping well, until they’re not. This session explores high masking: when children and young people work hard to appear fine while hiding significant stress beneath the surface. We look at what masking looks like in real life (at home and school), how it connects to shutdowns, school avoidance and emotional collapse, and what we can do to notice the signs earlier and respond with compassion and confidence.
Learning outcomes:
- Spot masking early, even when they seem “fine”
- Understand why they mask and the toll it takes
- Reduce everyday pressure through small changes
- Build trust so they can unmask safely
- Respond calmly to shutdowns and meltdowns
- Recognise when masking helps vs when it harms
Resources
Here are some further resources that complement the session:
- Supporting Your Child Through Neurodivergent Burnout – A comprehensive guide for parents explaining what burnout looks like, why it happens, and how to support recovery.
- My Spoon Plan (energy accounting) – A worksheet to complete with your child, helping them identify what drains their energy and what refills it.
- The Crash After Term – Explains why children often shut down completely during holidays, the difference between shutdown and depression, and why doing nothing is sometimes exactly what they need.
- Masking – Noticing What I Do – A self-reflection tool for older children and teenagers to notice their own masking patterns, when they mask most, and what it costs them.
Book Pooky to speak
For more information about my speaking and training work, check out my speaking page or email me – [email protected]
