Social Interaction
People with autism generally exhibit severe difficulties with socialisation. They are unable to identify, express or understand their own and others emotions which can make interaction and 'fitting in' difficult.
Typical social behaviours of a person with autism may include:
- difficulty with understanding unwritten social rules, for example, standing too close to another person or starting an inappropriate conversation;
- appearing to be insensitive, because they are unable to detected how someone else is feeling;
- inability to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar people;
- difficulty with turn taking or sharing with peers;
- preferring to be alone rather than seek out the company of other people;
- inability to seek comfort from others;
- displaying traits of low self-esteem;
- inability to express feelings, emotions or needs which may result in inappropriate actions; and
- being unintentionally aggressive in an attempt to be social.
