Understanding Masking and Identity in Autism

What is the main reason the speaker engaged in masking?

• To avoid social interactions

• To enhance communication skills

• To fit in socially

• To express their true self

How does the speaker describe the feeling of masking?

• Exciting and adventurous

• Uncomfortable and inauthentic

• Liberating and joyful

• Comfortable and natural

What does the garden metaphorically represent in the context of autism?

• A symbol of societal norms

• A hidden paradise

• A place of chaos

• The authentic autistic self

What material is used in the garden design to promote sustainability?

• Concrete

• Low-grade cork

• Metal

• Plastic

What is the purpose of using a dry assembly method in the garden design?

• To increase durability

• To reduce costs

• To allow for easy disassembly and material recovery

• To enhance aesthetic appeal

What does the speaker find precious about gardens and nature?

• Their complex design

• Their high maintenance

• Their ability to provide an escape

• Their vibrant colors

How does the speaker describe their unmasked self?

• Comfortable and at ease

• Always focused and serious

• Joyful and lost in their own world

• Anxious and restless

What emotion does the speaker associate with their late autism diagnosis?

• Joy and liberation

• Regret and disappointment

• Grief and sadness

• Confusion and uncertainty

What has the late diagnosis provided the speaker in terms of self-understanding?

• A sense of confusion

• A loss of identity

• A clearer understanding of themselves

• A feeling of isolation

What does the speaker feel they have gained after their diagnosis?

• A feeling of regret

• A new identity

• A sense of loss

• A true sense of self