Support for Masking

Masking is sometimes described as a ‘social survival strategy’ which happens in environments where neurodiversity is not welcome (Sedgewick et al 2021).  

A neurodiversity-informed and autism-affirming approach means that autistic people should not have to change who they are. By creating educational environments where neurodiversity is embraced and supported CYP would have less need to mask. 

The Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) project is a teacher delivered programme for mainstream primary schools for pupils aged 8-11 years old. It introduces the concept of neurodiversity in education and supports better-informed, more accepting school communities to make school experiences more positive.  

The aim of LEANS is for pupils and educators to: 

• KNOW: increase knowledge of terms and concepts within neurodiversity 
• THINK: develop positive attitudes towards neurodivergence 

DO: increase positive and inclusive actions with the school community  

For more information on this free programme please visit the LEANS website via the Salvesen Research Department at Edinburgh University  

Listen to Dr Alyssa Acorn talk about the neurodiversity-affirming LEANS Project for primary schools.