The Unique Struggles of Being Neurodivergent
2025.05.22
In the previous blog post, I discussed the concepts of neurotypical and neurodiversity.
In this post, I’d like to talk about the unique struggles experienced by those who are neurodivergent.
Masking
One of the most notable struggles faced by neurodivergent individuals is known as masking. You can think of masking as the act of “wearing a mask.” In other words, neurodivergent people often have to hide their true selves in order to function in daily life.
So why is it that neurodivergent people feel the need to mask in the first place?
As I mentioned in the previous post, today’s society is largely built by and for neurotypical individuals. It is not designed with the needs of neurodivergent people in mind.
What is considered “normal” or “obviously doable” to neurotypical individuals can be extremely difficult—or even impossible—for those who are neurodivergent.
For example, some neurodivergent individuals may find it difficult to concentrate when they hear unrelated background noise. In environments where there are too many sounds, it becomes harder for them to focus on what they’re supposed to be doing, making it difficult to complete tasks or perform at their best.
Despite these challenges, neurodivergent people still need to live in this world. Consciously or unconsciously, they often feel compelled to wear a mask and present a version of themselves that isn’t truly authentic. In essence, they are forced to try to become neurotypical, even though they are not. This might include pushing themselves to socialize with many people despite struggling with social interaction, or pretending to like things they don’t actually enjoy just to fit in with others.
However, the reality is that this version of themselves is not their true self. Continuing to play a role that doesn’t reflect who they truly are is extremely difficult and emotionally exhausting. Sooner or later, the pressure becomes unsustainable. This internal strain can eventually manifest as mental health issues. In fact, it’s well-documented that many neurodivergent individuals also experience depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions.
That concludes our discussion on masking.
In the next blog post, I’d like to explore what neurodivergent individuals—and the people around them—can actually do to help.
References
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Nerenberg, Jenara. (2021). Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You. HarperCollins Publishers.
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Price, Devon. (2022). Unmasking Autism. Harmony Books.