Small talk and conversations can be really hard for autistic people. What are some areas you find difficult?
@autism101 @actuallyautistic I tend to avoid conversation in real life. Flight or freeze modes get engaged a lot, and if I've actually tried to have a conversation, it feels like it saps my energy for hours afterwards (unless it's with someone who shares a special interest of mine, in which case it can feel quite energising, especially if they're also autistic).
@FuchsiaShock @autism101 @actuallyautistic As a non-autistic person I cannot fully empathise but would like to know more about how I can help during conversations. I am a teacher and have lots of experience with teens and have learned some strategies but a lot of students I work with are quite high functioning so I don't always know how I can do it better.
@jellycrystals @FuchsiaShock @autism101 @actuallyautistic
#Autistic students are all individuals with their own strengths and difficulties. Get to know what works for each individual.
To be brief:- be literal, be precise, keep it short. Tell us what to do precisely. Go light on the criticism. Follow up instructions in writing.
@MarmadukeCWest @FuchsiaShock @autism101 @actuallyautistic I do my best to accommodate for all the students in the class, but I am sure you can understand that sometimes in a class of 25+ it can be difficult . The instructions (or extra ones I give) in writing is something I can add to class activities. Thanks!
