local
The exhaustion of autistic masking, and how to unmask safely
Summary by The El Paso Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Stacker , KVIA ABC-7
· July 21, 2026
· 14 min read
For autistic people , masking —presenting yourself in a way, either consciously or unconsciously, to fit in better in a neurotypical world—can be both necessary and exhausting. That’s where the concept of “unmasking” comes in. Unmasking is the process of making space for your autistic or neurodiv...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The El Paso Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Stacker, KVIA ABC-7 Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway “Unmasking, in the simplest terms, is about letting your nervous system participate in your life instead of fighting it all day,” says Stephanie Steele-Wren, Psy.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso, where community and cultural identity are deeply valued, the concept of unmasking can be particularly significant for autistic individuals. For many, masking has been a necessary survival strategy to navigate social and professional settings, but it can come at a great personal cost. As local autistic adults and their families consider the process of unmasking, they may face unique challenges and opportunities. El Paso's strong sense of community and tradition can sometimes emphasize conformity, making it difficult for individuals to express their authentic selves. However, the city's growing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion can also provide a supportive environment for autistic individuals to unmask and thrive. Local mental health providers, such as those specializing in adult autism, can play a crucial role in guiding individuals through this process, helping them to balance the benefits of unmasking with the potential risks and challenges.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 14 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For autistic people , masking —presenting yourself in a way, either consciously or unconsciously, to fit in better in a neurotypical world—can be both necessary and exhausting. That’s where the concept of “unmasking” comes in. Unmasking is the process of making space for your autistic or neurodiv...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stacker at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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