Autistic Workers Describe the Strain—and Backlash—of Masking at Work

WHO:

Inc - The article describes autistic employees and the negative workplace reactions they can face.

Phys.org - The study was led by a Penn State researcher; the article describes employees with autism.

WHAT:

Inc - The article reports that autistic employees are encouraged to be authentic but may face negative reactions at work.

Inc - A study examines the hidden labor autistic employees perform to make others comfortable and workplace changes that could reduce the pressure to mask.

Phys.org - A study reports that employees with autism may spend considerable time and effort modifying their behavior to meet workplace expectations.

WHY:

Inc - The article says autistic employees may mask to make other people comfortable.

Phys.org - The reported behavioral modifications are made to meet workplace expectations.

HOW:

Phys.org - Examples of workplace camouflaging include rehearsing conversations, monitoring facial expressions, and concealing sensory discomfort.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 00:44 UTC)

A study led by a Penn State researcher finds that employees with autism may spend considerable time and effort changing their behavior to meet workplace expectations. That hidden labor can include rehearsing conversations, monitoring facial expressions, and concealing sensory discomfort to make others comfortable. Although autistic employees are encouraged to be authentic, they may face negative reactions at work, and the study examines changes that could reduce pressure to mask.