Neurodiversity, gender, and masking
On this page
Session 19. Masking - What It Looks Like, Why It Happens, and How We Can Support
Date/Time : 12 March - 15:30-17:00
Presenter : Dr Pooky Knightsmith
Audience : Governors, SLT, SENDCO, Teachers, Parent/Carers
This session explores masking: when neurodivergent young people work hard to appear fine while hiding significant stress beneath the surface. We'll look at what masking actually looks like, how it presents differently across genders and profiles, and why some young people are missed entirely. But this isn't just about spotting problems. Masking can be a useful skill, and our job isn't to strip it away but to help young people know themselves, feel safe being themselves, and make informed choices about when the mask goes on. You'll leave with practical strategies for creating safe spaces for unmasking, spotting warning signs earlier, and supporting recovery.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand what masking is and why it happens
- Recognise how masking presents differently across genders and profiles
- Identify when masking helps and when it harms
- Spot early warning signs before "fine" becomes crisis
- Create safe spaces where young people can unmask
- Support young people to choose when to mask and to recover afterwards
Session detail and Registration
Support materials
- Action notes (Word doc, 23 KB)
- Presentation Slides Understanding Children who Mask (PDF, 5 MB)
- Understanding and Supporting Children Who Mask (PDF, 370 KB)
Session 20. Masking - What It Looks Like, Why It Happens, and How We Can Support
Date/Time : 12 March - 19:00-20:30
Presenter : Dr Pooky Knightsmith
Audience : Governors, SLT, SENDCO, Teachers, Parent/Carers
This webinar focuses on strategies for adaptive teaching for a range of neurodivergent and cognitive profiles. Suggesting practical adaptation ideas for teaching staff across a range of subjects, and considering how what works for SEND can work for all children.
Additionally, the webinar will explore how setting's can engage strengths-based approaches, to help all learners to experience success and develop a growing level of self-esteem.
Session detail and Registration
