Autistic masking is a conscious or unconscious tendency to hide autistic traits so that we're not mocked, rejected or misunderstood. Many of us do it without thinking & are pretty good at it but it takes a tremendous toll on us over time.
Perhaps social camouflage is a better description? Among other autistics we don't need to hide these traits so they can be really positive experiences.
Yeah sorry to hear about your parents denial. It's very common because the myths & stereotypes about #Autism are very pervasive & largely wrong.
If you want to reach out to the autistic community directly use #ActuallyAutistic as it tends to get right to us.