Hidden
By Angelica Tao
They don’t know I am hiding.
They will never get a sighting.
Of what I’ve become.
Of the sum-
Of my hidden habits.
Which are insidious.
They don’t wait for me.
When I’m hidden behind a tree.
Waiting to calm down.
Breathing heavily without a sound.
I wish they cared that I am hiding.
Dr. Grimaldi’s Take Away
I am so proud of Angela expressing her beautiful work in her poetry. As an autism specialist I thought I would share my perspective on this piece. Please feel free to join in on this community and share your thoughts.
Here are mine :
Angelica Tao’s piece titled “Hidden,” though not directly shared, seems to address a poignant and deeply personal aspect of the autism experience: the phenomenon of “masking.” This term describes how some autistic individuals might feel compelled to suppress or hide their natural behaviors, feelings, or characteristics to conform to societal expectations or to avoid judgment and stigma. Through the lens of an autistic young adult, let’s explore the psychological impacts and implications of this theme as they might interpret and resonate with the piece:
Identity and Self-Perception
An autistic young adult may have a complex relationship with their identity, constantly navigating the terrain between their authentic self and the persona they adopt in public. They might relate deeply to the feeling of being “hidden,” as it echoes their daily experiences of having to mask their true thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. This ongoing negotiation can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion about one’s true self, as well as an intense longing for acceptance and understanding.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences
Masking can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, requiring constant vigilance and energy to monitor and adjust one’s behavior. An individual resonating with “Hidden” might experience a profound sense of fatigue and anxiety, stemming from the fear of being “discovered” or rejected for their natural tendencies. Moreover, this continuous suppression can lead to a deep sense of loneliness and misunderstanding, as the individual may feel that no one truly knows or accepts them for who they are.
The Desire for Connection
Despite the challenges, an underlying theme likely present in “Hidden” is the inherent human desire for connection and belonging. Autistic individuals, like anyone else, yearn for authentic relationships where they can be themselves without judgment. This piece might touch on the frustration and pain of feeling disconnected from others due to societal barriers and misconceptions about autism, coupled with a hopeful longing for environments where differences are celebrated rather than suppressed.
Advocacy and Empowerment
From a psychological standpoint, a piece like “Hidden” has the power to advocate for awareness and change by shedding light on the internal struggles faced by many autistic individuals. It can inspire empathy and understanding, encouraging society to reevaluate its norms and expectations to become more inclusive and accepting of neurodiversity. Furthermore, for autistic individuals themselves, relating to such a piece can be empowering, validating their feelings and experiences, and potentially motivating them to advocate for their rights and for broader societal acceptance.
Conclusion
“Hidden” is likely to strike a chord with autistic young adults on many levels, resonating with their experiences of masking, the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood, and their deeply-felt need for connection and acceptance. Through the prism of their unique perspective, this piece not only reflects their struggles but also highlights the broader need for a societal shift towards greater understanding, inclusion, and celebration of neurodiversity.
0 Comments