When it comes to social interactions, especially in group settings, it can be a very difficult experience for a lot of autistic people. From my personal experience, I sometimes struggle in social situations, whether they are one-on-one or in small or large groups.
In this article, I explain how I, as an autistic person, often feel in social situations, along with some tips for managing social anxiety and building social confidence.
For someone with autism, social interactions can be far more challenging than for non-autistic people. Autistic people often feel isolated from their peers, particularly in group settings, though this can also occur in one-on-one interactions.
I experienced this regularly during my time at school and sometimes outside of school. There were often groups of friends spending time together, while I was one of the few people left out. Even when I was part of a group, I often felt as though people were talking around me rather than including me in the conversation.
I also found it difficult to find someone else who was on their own to spend time with, as not many people were in that position. Being blind also made this more challenging. When I did find someone to talk to, I often struggled to come up with conversation topics, resulting in long silences.
Over the past few years, I have worked to overcome my social anxiety and build confidence. I have made an effort to talk with more people at school and outside of school, and to organise meet-ups with friends, either one-on-one or in small groups, in places such as the city or local parks. I have found these experiences enjoyable and far more positive than what I was used to.
Managing social anxiety and building confidence can feel daunting. One strategy I suggest is initiating small talk with someone who appears to be alone, rather than approaching a group. This can feel far less intimidating and may lead to a meaningful conversation.
The same approach can work in one-on-one situations. If someone looks like they are on their own, try starting a simple conversation. You never know how things might turn out.
Another helpful strategy is finding someone with shared interests. Having common ground makes conversation easier and can help form a stronger connection.
If you want to challenge yourself further, consider joining a group based on shared interests. Start by talking with one or two people at your own pace, then gradually engage more as your confidence grows. You don’t need to limit yourself to one group—many groups overlap and can open doors to new connections.
Using these approaches, I have formed many new friendships and am grateful for the progress I have made. I hope these strategies are helpful for you as well.
Sam x
Sam Valavanis is an A List Ambassador – find out more about our A List Ambassadors
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