ASD: SOCIAL INTERACTION AND RELATIONSHIPS

Before we kick off, Happy Valentine's day!!!

We communicate each day of our lives. Even without words, we’re still communicating.

Now, we can communicate with our facial expressions, with colors and also with cards too.

The most striking feature of autism is social interaction. Social Interaction meaning communication in general. Individuals with ASD have limited or no understanding to people’s feelings and emotions. They also have problems in non-verbal communication and making eye- contact.

I literally try hard to psych my brother out. I’m always looking at him and each time he meets my eyes, he averts it away. I know it’s mean, but sometimes, I just really love it.

With social interaction, comes having relationships. It can be difficult for people with ASD to make or keep friends. Tobi, my little brother is a natural charmer and people love him, but he doesn’t really love talking to people, if you get what I mean. There’s this woman in our estate that always greets him so cheerily’’. Tobiiiiiii." She often calls in a singsong tone.

My little brother just waves and walks by. Well, hey! At least he waved.

Rather than embracing relationships, most try to avoid them. They choose to stay in the comfort of their isolated worlds. I try not to push him too much in making friends.

Baby steps. Some day, he will have a friend of his own.

He may also have a lady too. Romantic relationships with a autistic person may be hard to navigate as they find attraction and intimacy difficult to understand. They may not understand emotions too. Even though there might be problems attached to it, people with autism still want relationships.

If you're dating someone with autism, try to respect their routine (as you know, it is difficult to change) and understand their sensitivities. Most of all, be honest and patient. You may also have to advocate for them, because support is needed in a relationship!

In this month of love, make sure you show love and compassion. Not just to your partner- to your friend, your family members. Spread love and kindness always!

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