For many of us in the neurodivergent community, masking is something we’ve done for as long as we can remember.

😶‍🌫️ Pretending to be “okay” when we’re overwhelmed.
🙃 Forcing eye contact because it’s expected.
😬 Hiding stims or suppressing our natural rhythms just to avoid judgment.

💡 What is Masking?

Masking is when neurodivergent people camouflage their traits in order to fit in or avoid stigma. While it can sometimes help us navigate certain situations, long-term masking can be exhausting and harmful to our well-being.

💔 Why It’s Hard

  • Drains mental & emotional energy
  • Can lead to burnout or shutdowns
  • Makes us feel disconnected from our authentic selves

🌱 Steps Toward Unmasking

Unmasking is a process — not something you have to do all at once. Some gentle starting points include:

  • ✅ Allowing yourself to stim without apology
  • 🗣️ Setting boundaries where you can
  • 🌌 Spending time in safe spaces (like NeuroCosm!) where you don’t have to perform

✨ Final Thoughts

The universe is vast — and just like the cosmos, there’s no one way to exist. You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s orbit.

🌌 NeuroCosm is a space where you can unmask, rest, and just be.