Take The Mask Off Artwork

As an autistic, I've mastered the art of flipping my "on" button in social settings, concealing my difficulties, uncertainties, and stims to seamlessly blend in and be treated with equality and fairness. However, this coping strategy and perhaps an automatic threat response to protect myself from injury comes at a significant cost. The toll is palpable—exhaustion seeps in as I pour all my energy into each interaction. Now, at this juncture, I find myself observing my behaviour when in the company of others, attempting to discern precisely what I'm concealing. The desire is strong to gradually peel away the layers of this mask, revealing my authentic autistic self. I yearn to break free from the exhausting act of being 'neurotypicalised,' to shed the facade of what is deemed 'normal,' and to reduce the risk of neurodivergent burnout. Yet, it's a risky endeavour. My past experiences have taught me that others are often challenged by differences and tend to exert efforts to fix, change, or erase whatever deviates from their perception of 'normal.' The path to authenticity is fraught with potential resistance, but the desire to be true to myself and ease the burden of constant masking propels me forward. The journey to unveil my genuine self is both a personal exploration and a courageous venture into the uncharted territory of embracing neurodiversity in a world that often resists deviation from the norm.

Mixed Media:Photo on Other

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:14 W x 14 H x 0.1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.