FIG. 1.

Potential model for considering the relationship between masking and autistic burnout. The figure displays a linear relationship from stressor to masking response to presentation (which is effortful for a person to sustain). The masking response feeds separately into disconnection from internal cues, which then leads to an internal stress increase and difficulty regulating associated stress. In addition, the effortful presentation feeds directly into internal stress increase. Together, these flow into what we term “breaking point.” This includes a textual description of the image for those who are using screen-readers.