Masking in School
Understanding the Hidden Struggle Behind “Coping”

A ready-to-use staff training and CPD PowerPoint designed to help schools better understand masking in neurodivergent pupils and the hidden emotional impact behind appearing to “cope” in school environments.

This regulation-first training explores:

What masking is
Why pupils mask
Hidden distress in schools
Emotional exhaustion and burnout
Anxiety and overwhelm
Quiet and compliant pupils being overlooked
Psychological safety
Regulation-informed practice
How schools can provide supportive, inclusive environments

Perfect for:

Whole staff CPD
SENCO training
Autism & ADHD awareness
Inclusion and pastoral teams
Teacher wellbeing training
Neurodiversity-informed practice
Included in this resource:

✔ Editable PowerPoint presentation
✔ Detailed speaker notes for every slide
✔ Staff reflection worksheet
✔ Ready-to-use CPD session

Suitable for:
Primary schools
Secondary schools
SEND settings
Alternative provision
Pastoral teams
Inclusion leads
Education professionals
Key Message:

“Coping” is not always the same as wellbeing.

This training supports staff in looking beyond behaviour and presentation to better understand hidden overwhelm, emotional effort, and nervous system stress in neurodivergent pupils.

Designed with a compassionate, evidence-informed, regulation-focused approach.