Masking

Autism-specific guidance bringing together autistic experience and research on conscious and unconscious masking. It discusses social safety, exhaustion, identity, burnout and approaches to reducing the impact of masking, while recognising that unmasking is not simple or safe in every context.

Practical autism-specific guidance informed by autistic adults’ experiences. It covers sensory and social overload, masking, changes in routine, reduced capacity, energy accounting and seeking support. It should be used as practical guidance rather than as a diagnostic or clinical definition.

Public-facing NICE guidance for adults with suspected or confirmed autism. It explains that adults who may be autistic should be offered an assessment, describes what should happen during the assessment and says people should be asked how they would like results explained. After diagnosis, professionals should discuss what the diagnosis means, future care and support, communication needs and sensory sensitivities. The guidance also notes that people can ask for an advocate to help communicate their views.

Official NHS signposting for urgent mental health support. It directs people to NHS 111 online or 111 for urgent help, and to 999 or A&E where someone is in immediate danger.

Authoritative Acas guidance specifically focused on neurodivergent workers. It gives practical examples such as quiet working areas, headphones, screen filters, written instructions broken into steps, visual planners, regular check-ins, additional reminders, extra planning time and advance warning of workplace changes. Acas stresses that adjustments should be based on the individual rather than diagnosis alone, and that workers do not necessarily need a formal diagnosis before support is considered.