Ableism, Code-Switching, and Camouflaging: A Letter to the Editor on Gerlach-Houck and DeThorne (2023)

Abstract

Purpose: This letter to the editor is in response to the Gerlach-Houck and DeThorne (2023) epilogue regarding their proposal for speech-language patholo-gists to offer Autistic code-switching (Autistic masking and camouflage) as a via-ble, non-ableist social communication tool that Autistic clients may choose to use in “high-stakes” social situations. In connection with Autistic code-switching, the authors reference “the debate” regarding code-switching in “African American Vernacular English speakers,” specifically, whether “standard” English should be encouraged as a way to access “conventional forms of success.” Conclusion: Professionally training Autistic clients to “code-switch” with the goal of improving the client’s chances of accessing conventional forms of suc-cess is essentially training Autistic masking and camouflaging. This type of ther-apy reinforces to both the Autistic client, as well as society, the position that hiding a person’s Autistic traits is a pathway to acceptance and success. Autis-tic camouflaging has detrimental ramifications for mental health outcomes; per-petuates both internalized and societal stigma; hinders bias and discrimination deconstruction; reinforces ableist values; and fails to dismantle power inequities and social barriers that lead to marginalization, oppression, and exclusion.