Beyond the Mask: Understanding Autistic Burnout, Survival, and True Self-Advocacy with Kory Andreas

What does it actually cost to fit in? In this episode, we sit down with Kory Andreas, LCSW-C — a clinical social worker, autism and neurodivergent specialist, late-diagnosedautistic adult, and founder of Unmasking Retreats — who brings over 20 years of experience in education and clinical practice to a conversation that is long overdue. We talk about what masking is, why autistic individuals do itfrom a very young age, and the invisible toll it takes over a lifetime. Kory helps us understand why a child who looks like they are "doing fine" at school might be quietly exhausted — and what autistic burnout really looks like when it is misread as anxiety or depression. We also explore self-advocacy in the workplace, how maskingshows up in relationships and families, and what it takes to truly unmask — not just as a concept, but as a lived practice. Whether you are a parent, educator, clinician, partner, orsomeone who has spent years wondering why the world feels just a little harderfor you than it seems to for everyone else — this episode is for you. In this episode: What masking is and when it begins The hidden cost of masking across a lifetime How autistic burnout differs from general burnout or depression Early warning signs parents and educators should know Self-advocacy skills and how to build them early Masking in neurodiverse relationships The Unmasking Retreats experience Find Kory: https://koryandreas.com/