Tell people how your brain works

Camouflaging (masking autistic traits, exactly what open disclosure of how your brain works is meant to reduce) correlated with higher anxiety (r=0.27), depression (r=0.36) and lower wellbeing (r=-0.13). Indirect support for the mechanism: less masking should mean less drain, but the design is correlational, not a test of disclosure as an intervention.

Synthesis of 48 studies (~4000 autistic people). Camouflaging, ignorance/stigma and unmet needs drove burnout; recovery was helped by a more accurate framework for self-understanding and by individual and community support, both of which naming-your-differences-to-others is meant to unlock. Supports the mechanism but is qualitative/thematic, not a controlled trial of the disclosure tactic.

Qualitative interviews, 24 autistic UK employees. Disclosure outcomes were MIXED and environment-dependent: positive outcomes (acceptance, adjustments, masking less, better wellbeing) occurred where there was understanding, willingness to adapt and inclusive culture; otherwise stereotyping/discrimination. Directly relevant but small, uncontrolled, and shows the tactic is not reliably beneficial.

Small randomized feasibility study (intervention n=11 vs waitlist n=9) of a coaching program that included experimenting with seeking external support through self-advocacy/disclosure. Establishes feasibility and direction but is underpowered, bundles self-advocacy with many other components, and does not isolate the disclose-how-your-brain-works tactic on energy/burnout.