Dr Martin Brunet has 25 years experience as a NHS GP. He has a special interest in Autism and ADHD and is the author of the best selling book entitled ‘Make Your Worry Make Sense’.
In this episode, Dr Martin Brunet explores the hidden reality of autistic masking, why it starts, what it feels like, and the long-term impact it can have on identity, relationships and wellbeing. We discuss the subtle signs of masking, why so many autistic people go undiagnosed, and what it can look like to safely rediscover who you are beneath the mask.
Chapters:
00:00 Trailer
01:08 What Masking Actually Feels Like
06:32 How Early Does Masking Start?
07:48 What Teaches a Child to Start Masking?
09:26 Can One Cruel Comment Change You for Decades?
11:22 What Are Autistic People Protecting Themselves From?
14:03 Is Masking a Choice — or Completely Automatic?
16:29 The Autistic Mirror
19:54 When Masking Becomes a Survival Mechanism
21:43 The Subtle Signs Someone Is Masking
24:38 Inside the Mind of an Autistic Person Who’s Masking
26:19 The Aeroplane Analogy That Explains Masking
28:57 What Years of Masking Does to a Person
31:08 Tiimo
32:38 The Biggest Cost of Masking: Losing Who You Are
34:39 Why Masking Can Make Autistic People So Lonely
36:18 Why So Many Autistic Women Are Missed
38:58 Can You Look Successful While Falling Apart Privately?
41:21 Code-Switching: What It Is and Why Autistic People Do It
43:39 Why an Autism Diagnosis Can Be So Emotional
46:24 How Do You Find Yourself After Years of Masking?
49:05 Why Unmasking Isn’t Right for Everyone
52:42 How to Start Unmasking Safely
54:30 The “Washing Machine of Woes”
59:16 What I’d Tell My Younger Autistic Self
Visit Dr Brunet’s website 👉 https://www.martinbrunet.com
Find Dr Brunet on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/doc_martin_gp/?hl=en
Get 30% off an annual Tiimo subscription 👉 https://www.tiimoapp.com/offers/adhdchatter
Buy Alex's book entitled 'Now It All Makes Sense' 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Now-All-Makes-Sense-Diagnosis/dp/1399817817
Order Alex’s book about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 👉 https://linktr.ee/adhdchatter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9ffd8709-06df-444c-9936-c136fbd14d6e
Producer: Timon Woodward
Recorded by: Hamlin Studios
Trailer editor: Ryan Faber
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
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