AuSM Workshop – Finding Yourself Beneath the Mask: Tools, Experiments and Everyday Strategies for Unmasking

Date: August 6, 2026; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Presented by: Jillian Nelson and Zephyr James
Pricing: $59.99 (non-member), $49.99 (member), $39.99 (autistic individual)
Held Virtually: workshop available for purchase for one month after the workshop

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In the autism community, the term masking refers to the way that many autistic people (consciously to unconsciously) try to blend in and appear less autistic. It’s often a way to stay safe, fit in, or meet expectations in a neurotypical world. While masking can be an important survival strategy, doing it long-term can take a significant toll on mental health, energy, identity, and connection to self.

This interactive workshop offers autistic adults a supportive, practical space to explore what masking looks like in their own lives and begin the process of unmasking in ways that feel intentional, flexible, and safe. Participants will be guided through reflection, discussion, and hands-on exercises help them better understand why they mask, how it impacts them, and what unmasking could look like for them — if and when they choose it.

Unmasking is never presented as all-or-nothing, mandatory, or universally safe. This workshop centers choice, consent, and self-determination, recognizing that masking may still be necessary in some environments and that unmasking looks different for everyone.

While this workshop is designed primarily for autistic adults, it also includes content that may be helpful for providers, partners, family members, and supporters who want to better understand unmasking and learn how to create safer, more affirming environments. Guidance is included on how to support someone who is unmasking without judgment, punishment, or pressure.

Led by two autistic adults, these strategies are drawn from actual life experience. Participants will leave with increased self-understanding, concrete tools they can return to over time, and reassurance that there is no “right” way to be autistic — only the ongoing process of learning what helps them feel more like themselves.

Note: While there will be plenty of opportunities for engagement, we recognize that many autistic people are uncomfortable speaking or sharing in a group: all participants will be welcomed to engage in the ways that feel most comfortable to them.

Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will…  

1. Define masking as a contextual and adaptive response within a neurotypical society, including common reasons autistic adults may rely on it.
2. Identify personal patterns of masking and reflect on how these patterns affect well-being, identity, energy, and self-connection.
3. Distinguish between different approaches to unmasking, emphasizing choice, flexibility, and personal safety rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
4. Practice reflection and planning tools that support intentional, self-directed decisions about when, where, and how to unmask over time.
5. Recognize ways supporters, family members, and providers can create more affirming environments and respond to unmasking with respect, consent, and nonjudgment.

Presenters

Jillian Nelson is a queer autistic adult from Saint Paul and is the full-time Policy Director for AuSM. Jillian is passionate about disability justice and teaching others to advocate for themselves, as well as reforming existing systems through legislation and advocacy to create a more equitable and accessible society for people with all types of disabilities. Jillian is a 2023-24 Humphrey Policy Fellow. She is passionate about diversity and intersectionality – and how that unfolds in the mosaic experience of people with disabilities.

Zephyr James is an autistic adult who worked at AuSM for over 10 years. In that time, they created dozens of resources focused on empowering autistic adults in meaningful and practical ways. Zephyr has completed the Partners in Policymaking disability advocacy program and was a Minnesota LEND Fellow.