06/19/2026
Masking is when a person with ADHD acts in a “socially acceptable” way to fit in and form better connections with those around them.
This usually involves camouflaging their symptoms by controlling their impulses, rehearsing responses, and copying the behaviors of those who don’t have ADHD.
Keep in mind that masking does not mean you’re fake or ingenuine. It’s often a learned response based on what society views as “normal.” Many adults with ADHD mask their symptoms to prevent them from interfering with their relationships and social life.
Some people mask unknowingly, while others are aware of it. This ability to adapt socially is usually learned from childhood, which can complicate or delay proper diagnosis.
Research also suggests that women with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men with ADHD due to these compensatory mechanisms and masking behaviors. ( Deficit Disorder Association ❤️)
Image: Coaching With Brooke❤️
