70 Results in socialising

Expectations and assumptions

When I am getting to know someone, I don't assume anything about their behaviour and the way they are. I treat them as they are: a unique individual. I learn their ways and what works for them. I don't assume they are going to be a certain way, just because most other people are. Based on my own experiences, there has often been an assumption that I am going to behave and like the same sorts of things that other people like, before I've even been given a chance to say otherwise. Sometimes I will explicitly tell a person(s) something important or specific about me, and I'm always very surprised when they seemingly 'forget' this information...

How to end a conversation or activity

People with ASD find social rules and etiquette difficult as they do not come as naturally to us as they do to neurotypical people. There are lots of things difficult about social interactions and one of those things is as simple as knowing how and when to end a conversation or activity. 'Casual', impromptu or spontaneous interactions are more difficult to know how/when to end.

ASD and the repeated exposure method

Most people on the autistic spectrum suffer from anxiety and it’s easier to understand why if you consider the diagnostic criteria. For an individual, restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities often manifest as the person being resistant to change, needing sameness and routines and being hypo/hypersensitive. This can cause enormous amounts of anxiety. The other criteria is the problems with social… Join The Curly Hair P…

A person with ASD having friends with ASD

I sometimes come across people with ASD (mostly teenagers and young people) who are seeking to meet others with ASD. I always wonder why this is. Responses from parents of teenagers – and teenagers themselves – usually remark that they are looking to find friendships. I personally have never gone looking for others with ASD with the hope… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community…

Communicating about social anxiety

A large number of people with ASD also have social anxiety. This article provides some tips on communicating with others about our social anxiety. Deciding on who to tell You do not have to tell everyone you know that you have social anxiety. Personally, I only disclose when I feel it would provide an explanation or justification… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to con…

How to encourage socialising

It is a common occurrence that parents, teachers, and even peers, may ‘push’ their loved one with ASD into socialising and social situations. I have heard a lot of comments; parents may express concerns such as, “my child just stays in their room after school, entirely on his/her own”, or “my child shows no interest in making friends or… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to memb…

Social anxiety during puberty

Puberty: challenges! Every parent will know that their teenager is a handful. Puberty brings with it a lot of changes, and not just physical ones. During puberty teenagers will experiment and explore to find their own self-identity. They do this using various methods. First of all they will hover away from their family unit. Because of… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would lik…

Greater anxiety around friends than strangers

Just because people are friends, it doesn’t make the social anxiety go away. A lot of people have an assumption that there will be little to no anxiety felt by a person who suffers from anxiety when they are around their friends. This is absolutely not the case. In fact, I’d imply the opposite – that there is greater anxiety… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you w…

How we may come across to others

A common giveaway sign that you are autistic is your body language (including your posture and gait). I am not sure how it is for other people with ASD but, for me, I am aware that most of the time I am coming across as “awkward”, most likely because I feel awkward. I feel like… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to continue to read this article, along with receiving…

Context rigidity

Lee (AS) works at the local postal office. She absolutely loves her job, and is able to combine her special interest (stamps) with her job. The team decides to go out during lunch break, to the new café for a quick lunch. This is unsettling for Lee, as she prefers to have her lunch in… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to continue to read this article, along with receiving acces…