What is Masking?

What is masking, what signs should we look out for and how can we help.

For children with sensory processing difficulties, school can be a challenging environment. The sensory input they receive throughout the day can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, stress, and even sensory meltdowns. However, many children learn to mask their sensory difficulties in school, putting on a brave face to fit in with their peers. This can lead to a build-up of sensory stress, resulting in a meltdown after school at home.

Masking is a common coping mechanism used by children with sensory processing difficulties. It involves hiding or suppressing behaviours that are related to their sensory needs. For example, a child who is hypersensitive to sound may try to avoid noisy areas or cover their ears to block out noise. However, they may not do this in school to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Children who mask their sensory difficulties may appear to be coping well in school, but this can come at a cost. By suppressing their sensory needs, they may be expending a lot of energy, leading to fatigue and exhaustion. They may also be missing out on opportunities to receive support or accommodations that could help them better manage their sensory difficulties.

After a long day of masking their sensory difficulties in school, children may come home feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This can lead to sensory meltdowns, which can be confusing and distressing for both the child and their caregivers. A sensory meltdown is a reaction to sensory overload that can include crying, screaming, kicking, or other extreme behaviours. It is important to note that a meltdown is not a tantrum, and the child is not behaving this way on purpose.

Sensory meltdowns can be especially difficult for parents and caregivers to manage, as they may not understand what triggered the meltdown. However, it is important to remember that the child is not misbehaving, and the meltdown is a result of sensory overload. Caregivers can help by providing a calm and safe environment for the child to decompress, using sensory strategies to help regulate their emotions and sensory input.

In conclusion, masking is a common coping mechanism used by children with sensory processing difficulties in school. While it may help them fit in with their peers, it can also lead to a build-up of sensory stress and result in a meltdown after school at home. Parents and caregivers can help by recognising the signs of sensory overload and providing a supportive environment for the child to regulate their sensory input. By working together, we can help children with sensory processing difficulties thrive both in and out of school.

You can book a call with Vicky to discuss specific sensory activities for your child: Book a call with Vicky here

Dive deeper with these relevant resources:
Read: What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Join: The Sensory Hub
Want more: Book a 1-2-1 session with me