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Social anxiety also may look different in autism, and may be confused with a lack of interest in socializing, a common symptom of autism. Someone with social anxiety disorder fears being judged and humiliated. Certainly some people with autism share that fear.
Many children and adults on the autism spectrum need help in learning how to act in different types of social situations. They often have the desire to interact with others, but may not know how to engage friends or may be overwhelmed by the idea of new experiences.
Some researchers say this difference may arise because, compared with their non-autistic peers, autistic people are less likely to glean information from social stimuli.
How do people with autism pick up social skills?
In general, people tend to “pick up” social skills in the same way they learn language skills: naturally and easily. Over time they build a social “map” of how to in act in situations and with others. For people with autism it can be harder to learn and build up these skills, forcing them to guess what the social “map” should look like.
How do I know if I have autism?
A person who is autistic will also display abnormal facial expressions and body posture, lack of tone when speaking and use a strange tone of voice. This link may be helpful. If you are exhibiting these signs, you should go visit a professional and get yourself tested.
Children with autism often have specific social skills they struggle with. Often, the skill deficit may be very context-specific. For example, a child might have difficulty raising his hand in the classroom and instead might blurt out answers.
What are the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder?
Inability to read non-verbal communication cues. Repetitive or obsessive behaviors and insistence on an adherence to fixed routine. Overwhelming sensory inputs. These combinations of traits make it enormously difficult for ASD patients to acquire the basic social skills that most of us take for granted.