Supporting a Child Who Masks: Parent Guide

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 Avoid Questions About the Day

Asking “How was school?” or “What did you do today?” can increase anxiety.

Focus on observing, listening gently and offering choices instead.

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 Attend Workshops & Courses

Attend school or external workshops on emotional regulation, masking and neurodiversity.

Learning more equips you to respond calmly and supportively.

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Structured Routines

Create consistent daily routines from morning to evening.

Include all activities: meals, hygiene, independent play, homework, evening wind-down.

Use visual timetables to make the day predictable.

Remove completed activities from the schedule to give a sense of control and achievement.

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Visual Supports & Communication Boards

Use consistent colours: one for directions, one for choices.

Show simple images for each activity.

Keep images clean: white background, no distractions.

Place at child’s height for independence.

Let the child choose or handle images for comfort and autonomy.

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 Safe, Independent Activities

Encourage activities your child can do alone or quietly:

Counting, drawing, building, puzzles

Running, skipping, movement

Focus on activity and engagement, not discussion about the day.

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 Observe & Respond to Stress

Recognise outbursts, tears, or withdrawal as normal stress responses.

Provide a calm, predictable environment to help your child regulate emotions.

At school, we use zones of regulation

Validate feelings without judgment:

“I can see this is hard for you.”

“It’s okay to feel frustrated or tired.”

Offer multiple ways to communicate: talking, writing, drawing.

 Supporting Your Masking Child Emotionally

Children need acceptance, predictability, and understanding.

Remind them:

It’s okay to be themselves.

It’s okay to ask for help.

They are not alone.

Your child’s masking is not their fault—home should be a safe place to recharge.

Supporting a masking child takes patience, understanding, and consistency. Using structured routines, visual supports, safe independent activities, and gentle emotional guidance can reduce stress and help your child feel secure and understood.