Understanding and supporting Masking.

Are you a parent carer in North Somerset? Does your child mask? Join us to find out why this happens and how to support!

Understanding masking is essential for anyone supporting neurodivergent children and young people. This training is designed for parent carers and professionals who want to recognise when a child may be hiding their true feelings, needs, or traits in order to fit in or feel safe. Masking can often be misunderstood as coping well, but it frequently comes at a significant emotional cost, leading to anxiety, burnout, and a loss of identity.

Through this training, participants will explore what masking looks like in different settings, why it develops, and how it can impact wellbeing over time. You’ll gain practical strategies to create safe, accepting environments where children feel able to be themselves without fear of judgment. The session also focuses on building attuned relationships, improving communication, and responding in ways that reduce pressure rather than reinforce the need to mask.

By deepening your understanding, you’ll be better equipped to notice the subtle signs, respond with empathy, and support each child in a way that honours their authentic self.

This is a free training event for parent carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities within North Somerset. This event is also open to professionals who work with children/young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in North Somerset. Priority on place allocation will be given based on the criteria above.