Life with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be challenging, especially when it comes to social interactions. Here are some easy tips to help you connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Everyone is unique, and it’s okay to find what works best for you.
Simple Ways to Improve Social Skills and Connections
Follow Your Passions and Find Friends Through Shared Interests
Pursue hobbies and interests that you love. Whether it’s video games, gardening, Star Wars, or reading, you’ll find people who share the same passions. For example, if you love drawing, join an art class. You’ll meet others who love drawing too.
Find Your Tribe: Join Clubs or Groups Aligned with Your Interests
Joining clubs or groups based on your interests is a great way to meet new people. For instance, if you enjoy playing chess, look for a local chess club. These groups often have regular meetups where you can practice and make friends.
The Value of Friendships Formed Through Shared Interests
Friendships based on common interests can be very strong. When you share a hobby with someone, you have a natural conversation starter. For example, if you both love hiking, you can plan trips together and enjoy each other’s company.
Cultivate Your Strengths and Talents
Focus on what you’re good at and keep improving. This will boost your confidence and help you find friends with similar talents. If you’re great at coding, join a coding bootcamp or community. You’ll meet people who appreciate your skills.
Getting a Pet to Connect with Others
Pets can be great conversation starters. Walking a dog, for example, often leads to conversations with other dog owners. Pets also provide comfort and companionship, which can make social interactions less stressful.
Participating in Cooking Classes as a Social Activity
Cooking classes are fun and social. You learn new recipes and work with others to prepare meals. This is a relaxed setting where you can practice social skills and make friends. Plus, you get to enjoy delicious food together!
Practice Social Skills
Practice makes perfect. Work on your social skills in safe environments. Talk to a therapist, join social skills groups, or practice with family members. For example, have regular family game nights where you can practice taking turns and communicating. See what works for you and give yourself grace during the process.
Use Social Scripts
Social scripts are pre-prepared responses for common social situations. They can help reduce anxiety. For example, if someone asks how your day was, you could reply, “It was good, thank you. How was yours?” Practice these scripts until they feel natural.
Personal Boundaries
Learn about personal space. For instance, some people like hugs while others prefer a handshake. Learning about your own boundaries and the boundaries of others makes social interactions more comfortable for everyone.
Develop Strategies for Sensory Overload
Create coping mechanisms for dealing with sensory sensitivities. If loud noises bother you, carry noise-canceling headphones. Find quiet spots where you can take a break if things get overwhelming.
Utilize Technology
Use social media, online forums, or apps designed for individuals with autism. These platforms can be great for practicing social skills and connecting with others from the comfort of your home. For example, join a Facebook group for your favorite hobby.
Be Open About Autism
When you feel comfortable, consider sharing your autism with others. This can help them understand your unique perspective and needs. For instance, if you need extra time to process information, let your friends know.
Engage in Structured Social Activities
Participate in organized events or activities with clear rules. This can be easier to navigate. For example, join a board game night where the rules are set, and everyone knows what to expect.
Practice Self-Care
Recognize when you need a break. It’s important to manage your energy levels during social interactions. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away and recharge. Taking care of yourself ensures you’re ready for future interactions.
Seek Support
Find support systems such as mentors, counselors, or support groups for individuals on the autism spectrum. These resources can provide guidance and understanding. For example, joining an autism support group can help you connect with others who share similar experiences.
Social Norms
Study common social behaviors to better understand and navigate social situations. Observe how people greet each other, start conversations, and say goodbye. This knowledge can help you feel more confident in social settings.
Understanding Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language are essential in social interactions. Practice recognizing these cues to improve your communication skills.
For example, if someone smiles and nods while you’re talking, it usually means they are interested and encouraging you to continue. You can practice by watching videos and noting how people express emotions without words.
Dealing with Change
Unexpected changes can be challenging. Developing strategies to cope with these changes can help you stay calm and adapt more easily.
If a planned outing is suddenly canceled, having a backup plan, like watching a favorite movie at home, can help manage the disappointment and keep your day on track.
Emotional Regulation
Recognizing and managing your emotions is crucial in social settings. Practice techniques to stay calm and express your feelings appropriately.
If you feel anxious in a crowded place, practice deep breathing or find a quiet spot to relax for a few minutes. Over time, this will help you manage your emotions better in similar situations.
Handling Misunderstandings
Miscommunications can happen. Knowing how to clarify and resolve them is important for maintaining good relationships.
If someone misunderstood what you said, calmly explain your point again. You could say, “I think there was a misunderstanding. What I meant was…” This helps clear up confusion without causing tension.
Everyone is Unique
Remember, everyone is unique, and it’s okay to find what works best for you. See which tips work for you to help you build meaningful connections and improve social skills. It’s okay to take your time and discover what is comfortable for you.
Notes on the Author
Ilse Gevaert is a psychologist and coach with expertise in trauma, narcissistic and psychopathic abuse, resilience, neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD), and giftedness. Ilse continued her education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cornell, where she obtained leadership certificates that have informed her practice.
Read More on This Topic
Maximizing Potential: The Power of Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy
Daniel’s Journey Through Autism, Bullying, and Triumph
Diagnosis as the Missing Peace
Giftedness and Anxiety: Struggles of Exceptional Minds
Building Mental Health Resilience
More on the Resilient Minds Blog
The Innovator’s Dilemma: Kill Your Business, Or Watch Someone Else Do It.
Why Corporate Explorers Are Your Company’s Lifeline. Most companies say they embrace innovation. Few actually do. That’s because innovation sounds exciting. Until it threatens the
Understanding the Rise in Autism and ADHD Diagnoses
Have you noticed how many more people are talking about autism and ADHD lately? It’s everywhere – in the media, in our schools, in our
Navigating Misinformation: How to Talk to Friends and Family About Conspiracy Theories
It’s one of the most bewildering experiences of our digital age: watching someone you love deeply suddenly place unwavering faith in conspiracy theories. Your mother
Essentials to Happiness: The Power of Finding Joy
In our fast-paced world of instant notifications and endless to-do lists, we often forget the simplest path to happiness: starting each day with intentional joy.
Finding Your Path: Moving Forward After Trauma
What happens after you’ve weathered the storm of trauma? When the coping tools are working and the overwhelming emotions have settled, a new question emerges:
The Kindness Trap: Why Narcissistic Abuse is Hard to Escape
We’ve long been taught to spot the red flags of narcissistic abuse: the gaslighting, the verbal attacks, the emotional manipulation. But there’s a more insidious
