Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. People with ASD often have difficulty with social interactions and may be uninterested in other people. They may also have repetitive behaviors and interests.
Some people with ASD are able to “mask” their symptoms. This means that they are able to act like neurotypical people, even though they are still autistic.
Masking is often used as a coping mechanism. It can help people with ASD feel less anxious and more in control. It can also help them fit in and be less likely to be bullied.
Masking can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. People with ASD who mask their symptoms may appear to be neurotypical, but they are still autistic. This means that they may still need support and understanding.
People with autism describe that it can be difficult to socially fit in. People with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues and may not know how to act in certain situations. This can make it hard to make friends and be a part of social groups.
There are a few things that can help people with autism socially fit in. One is to find a social group that accepts you for who you are. There are many online communities and support groups for people with autism. These can be a great way to find others who understand you and can help you navigate the social world.
Another thing that can help is to learn as much as you can about social interactions. Books, articles, and even videos can be helpful in teaching you how to read social cues and what is expected in different situations. The more you know, the easier it will be to socialize.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. People with autism often have unique perspectives and interests. Embrace these things about yourself and use them to connect with others. There are people out there who will appreciate you for who you are.
Autism and social anxiety are often comorbid, meaning that people who have one diagnosis are also likely to have the other. This can make life very difficult, as both conditions can be extremely isolating.
People with autism often have difficulty reading social cues and may not pick up on the fact that someone is uncomfortable or wants to leave a conversation. This can lead to awkwardness or even conflict.
People with social anxiety may avoid situations where they might have to interact with others, for fear of saying or doing something embarrassing. This can make it hard to make friends or keep a job.
Autism masking may not be needed if autism and autistics were fully accepted.
Autism acceptance is about understanding and accepting that people with autism are different, but still valuable members of society. It is about recognizing that people with autism have unique strengths and weaknesses, and that they should be treated with respect and compassion. Autism acceptance is about creating an inclusive society where people with autism can participate fully and feel valued.
So be proud of who you are and when people get upset, they might just have social anxiety and need to learn to just state the facts clearly and concisely.