Triple Bind and Masking in Autistic Females





The concept of the "Triple Bind," as discussed by Stephen Hinshaw, poses a multifaceted challenge for women, requiring them to navigate a complex labyrinth of societal expectations. Hinshaw's framework suggests that women are pressured to excel in traditionally male-dominated arenas, asserting themselves competitively and ambitiously. Concurrently, they are expected to embody the nurturing, demure qualities historically associated with femininity. Adding a third layer, women are also pressured to adhere to stringent standards of attractiveness and sexuality (Hinshaw, 2009). This triadic set of expectations creates a near-impossible standard for women to live up to, encapsulating the pervasive societal pressures that contribute to stress, anxiety, and a multitude of other psychological burdens.

For autistic females, these societal pressures are compounded through the phenomenon of masking or camouflaging. Masking refers to the efforts individuals on the spectrum make, either consciously or unconsciously, to conceal their autistic traits and adhere to neurotypical norms. This can involve mimicking social interactions, suppressing stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors), or forcing oneself to maintain eye contact during conversations (Hull et al., 2017). Autistic women, therefore, must navigate not only the stringent expectations laid out by the Triple Bind but also the added layer of disguising their neurodivergence to blend into a world that predominantly values neurotypical behaviors.

The practice of masking, while a means to facilitate social integration, exacts a significant psychological toll. It can lead to feelings of alienation, increased susceptibility to mental health issues, and the exhaustion that comes from the perpetual performance of neurotypicality (Lai et al., 2011). For women, who are already disproportionately affected by the Triple Bind, the requirement to mask autistic traits intensifies their burden, magnifying the challenges they face in their daily lives.

Exploring the intersection of the Triple Bind and masking through the lens of Critical Disability studies and Crip Theory offers profound insights. These academic disciplines critique societal norms that marginalize those with disabilities, advocating for a broader, more inclusive definition of normalcy. They emphasize the value of diversity and challenge the structures that define disability as a deviation from an arbitrary norm (Goodley, 2014). Queer Theory, in particular, enriches this analysis by highlighting how gender and sexuality norms intersect with disability, further complicating the social experiences of autistic women who may also identify as LGBTQ. By examining the experiences of autistic women in the context of these theories, we can uncover the systemic barriers that perpetuate exclusion and advocate for a society that celebrates rather than stigmatizes difference. We can challenge and dismantle the societal constructs that marginalize those who diverge from the so-called norm, paving the way for a more equitable and understanding world.

References
Goodley, D. (2014). Dis/ability studies: Theorising disablism and ableism. Routledge.
Hinshaw, S. (2009). The triple bind: Saving our teenage girls from today's pressures. Ballantine Books.
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.-C., & Mandy, W. (2017). "Putting on My Best Normal": Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519–2534.
Lai, M.-C., Lombardo, M. V., Pasco, G., Ruigrok, A. N. V., Wheelwright, S. J., Sadek, S. A., ... & Baron-Cohen, S. (2011). A behavioral comparison of male and female adults with high functioning autism spectrum conditions. PLOS ONE, 12(6), e0177835.

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