Supporting neurodivergent young people who camouflage

Camouflaging, also known as masking, is the hiding or compensating of neurodivergent traits such as autism or ADHD. There is some evidence to suggest that camouflaging is associated with poor mental health outcomes, however so far there has been no longitudinal research to test the relationships between mental health and camouflaging over time. We also know little about whether and how much people with different types of neurodivergent traits camouflage, particularly for adolescents. This project aims to explore the extent of camouflaging across the general population, comparing across young people with and without neurodivergent traits and diagnoses. We will look at the relationship between mental health and camouflaging in adolescence, as well as the impact of demographic factors, to better understand how to support young people who camouflage. This work is part of a broader project aiming to co-develop support for neurodivergent young people who camouflage; access to Born in Bradford data will allow identification of factors which could be targeted in the intervention. This project is co-produced with neurodivergent young people and their families.