Difficulties that autistic people have dealing with other people

Autistic people commonly experience significant challenges in dealing with other people due to differences in social communication, interpretation of nonverbal cues, and sensory processing. These difficulties are widely recognized as core features of autism and can vary in severity and form from one individual to another.

Key Difficulties Faced by Autistic People in Social Interaction:

• Understanding and Using Nonverbal Communication: Autistic individuals often have trouble interpreting and expressing nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, body language, and tone of voice. This can result in misunderstandings or difficulties in following social "rules" that others take for granted.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+2

• Initiating and Maintaining Conversations: Many autistic people struggle with starting or sustaining conversations, particularly those involving small talk or topics outside of their preferred interests. There may also be a preference for direct and fact-oriented communication, sometimes perceived as overly blunt.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+2

• Understanding Social Cues and "Hidden Rules": Recognizing implied meaning, sarcasm, idioms, jokes, and other "unwritten" social norms is often difficult. This can lead to unintentional social missteps or being seen as insensitive or naïve by others.behavioralinterventionforautism.com+2

• Difficulties with Reciprocity and Empathy: Difficulties in "social reciprocity"—such as taking turns in conversation, or matching the emotional tone of an interaction—are common. Autistic individuals may have trouble reading the emotional states of others, but this does not mean they lack empathy; rather, they may process and express empathy in unconventional ways.educationonline.ku.edu+1

• Sensory Sensitivities: Overwhelm from sensory input (such as loud noises, bright lights, or multiple conversations at once) can make social situations exhausting or stressful, sometimes leading to withdrawal or a need for solitude.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+3

• Preferences for Structure and Routine: Unstructured or unpredictable social activities are often anxiety-provoking. Many prefer predictability and routine, which can make spontaneous socializing challenging.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+1

• Building and Sustaining Friendships: Forming and maintaining friendships can be fraught with confusion, anxiety, and occasional rejection, sometimes leading to loneliness or a sense of not belonging—even when there is a genuine desire to connect.simplypsychology.org+2

• Communication Differences Among Autistics Themselves: Even interactions between autistic people may present challenges, as individuals can vary widely in communication style, interests, and sensory needs.connectncareaba.com

Additional Consequences:

• These challenges can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, and a higher risk of being misunderstood or bullied.simplypsychology.org+2

It is important to recognize that:

• These differences reflect a distinct way of experiencing and navigating the social world, not a lack of interest in relationships or a lack of care for others.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+2

• Successful social interaction may require adaptation by both autistic and non-autistic people, as well as greater acceptance of neurodiversity in society.

Supporting Details:

• Many autistic people report a preference for connecting over shared interests ("info dumping"), direct communication, or online forms of interaction, where nonverbal cues and overwhelming sensory input are minimized.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+1

• Social exhaustion and the need for solitude after socializing are common and may be essential for sensory and emotional regulation.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk+1

For these reasons, support strategies often include social skills education, structured routines, accommodations for sensory sensitivities, and efforts to cultivate understanding and acceptance in broader society.thespectrum.org.au+2

1. https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/resources/understanding-and-supporting-the-social-interaction-of-autistic-children-and-young-people/
2. https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/social-difficulties-in-autism-spectrum-disorder
3. https://behavioralinterventionforautism.com/blog/examples-of-social-deficits-in-autism/
4. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children
5. https://thespectrum.org.au/autism-strategy/social-interaction/
6. https://www.simplypsychology.org/high-functioning-autism-rejection.html
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11. https://www.autismspeaks.org/social-skills-and-autism
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13. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/autism/autism-training-opportunities/autism-spectrum-disorders-training-program-first-responders/module-5-common-social-interaction-characteristics-individuals-autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
14. https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/challenges-autistic-people-face
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16. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/aspergers_syndrome_social_and_emotional_issues
17. https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/1av7f54/scientifically_speaking_why_do_autistic_people/
18. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/family-life-and-relationships/making-friends/autistic-adults
19. https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-social-skills
20. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/impairments_in_social_interaction