Support for Autistic Teen Boys Struggling with Masking & School Refusal in South Florida

Masking—the exhausting process of camouflaging autistic traits to fit in—affects teen boys just like it does girls. When combined with the unique challenges of adolescence and the demanding school environment, masking often leads to complete burnout and school refusal.

Family First offers autistic teen masking support in South Florida at our Palm Beach Gardens center. Our residential program for neurodivergent boys is a great opportunity for your son to learn social skills, how to unmask, and manage stress. 

What is masking in autistic teen boys?

Masking, also known as camouflaging, is when someone suppresses or alters their autistic traits to appear neurotypical. For teenage boys, this often means:  

• Forcing eye contact  
• Rehearsing social interactions 
• Mimicking peer behaviors 
• Suppressing stimming behaviors 
• Hiding or losing special interests 

A lot of attention has been paid to autistic girls who mask. Girls are more likely to mask from early childhood. Boys, on the other hand, often experience a dramatic increase in masking behaviors during middle school years—when they’re going through puberty and facing more academic and social pressure.  

Masking takes a lot of energy

The neurological cost of masking is high. When masking, autistic people must make the decision to suppress a natural response or perform a neurotypical behavior. Keep in mind that these decisions are happening during class when they’re trying to focus or even mid-conversation when they’re trying to fit in. By the time they get home, they may be even more exhausted than neurotypical teens. Masking all day can set them up to have a meltdown when they finally get to be alone or in a safe space.  

Is masking bad?

Some people find masking completely exhausting. Others find it manageable, even easier, than not masking. The name of the game is balance. For autistic teens who mask a lot and become completely burned out, learning to unmask more or develop social skills that help reduce the toll it takes can help.  

Teens are at a sensitive point in their lives where social dynamics and identity creation take up a big part of their time. Just letting the mask drop without having social skills to navigate their relationships can cause more anxiety and depression. Teens want to fit in, and if learning skills to regulate emotions and stress—while still letting them embrace their autistic traits—can make it easier, that might be the right fit.  

Common masking behaviors in teen boys

Autistic teen boys mask in different ways. They might be easier for parents to recognize, but often go unnoticed by teachers. 

Social mimicry

One of the most common forms of masking. Boys carefully observe and copy their peers’ speech patterns, humor styles, interests, and even physical mannerisms. They may adopt slang they don’t understand, laugh at jokes that confuse them, or express interest in activities they find overwhelming—all to avoid standing out or facing rejection.  

Emotional suppression

Hiding genuine reactions to sensory overwhelm, confusion, or anxiety can help boys feel both neurotypical—sometimes even “more masculine”. A boy might maintain a calm exterior while experiencing internal chaos from fluorescent lights, unexpected schedule changes, or social conflicts.  

Academic bluffing

Learning in a neurotypical class setting is hard for many autistic teens. Rather than let on that they’re having a hard time, they might nod along with instructions they haven’t processed, avoid asking clarifying questions, or complete assignments without truly understanding the material. The longer they mask during class, the easier it is for them to fall behind. 

Special interest concealment

Teen boys might downplay or completely abandon intense interests that bring joy and regulation. A boy passionate about trains, astronomy, or video game mechanics might stop discussing these topics entirely to avoid being labeled as “weird” or “obsessed.” Rather than diving deep into their special interest, they might force themselves to get into sports or other “normal” activities to fit in.