High Functioning Autism Homepage

Question: Why do you think some girls with high functioning autism has a hard time fitting in with other peers?

(Posted by: Lady D on 2010-05-25 13:48:34)

Because I'm one of them....I don't have a lot of friends

Posted by: Sally N on 2010-05-26, 09:52:20

I believe in part social anxiety may play a strong hand. Many are very introverted and shy because of the anxiety, there shyness is often misinterpreted by others as the individuals being standoffish, possibly even conceited. Communicating with others often requires a lot of direct eye contact and a person with social anxiety may avoid eye contact, anxiety does come into play. If one could reduce the anxiety one might improve the outcome, this could be done through counseling and/ or medication treatment (which some may or may not require, for example Temple Grandin does use medication because she finds it helps her to better cope and participate with others) I like Grandin's approach to medication, you try something and you look for that Wow Factor, something that really makes a difference. If you don't get a Wow Factor then the med is not the right fit and one should seek alternatives whether it's counseling or meds, and with either one should see a Wow factor if the treatment is helping.

Posted by: GracieMae on 2010-05-25, 13:52:11

I know someone with autism and she doesn't really have friends either. Her problem is that she is in her own world most of the time, and tends to be anti-social. But it might be different for different people.

Posted by: FIONA on 2010-05-25, 13:54:38

I have mild autism and i don't have any friends and i find it hard to fit in at school.

Posted by: Dede7007 on 2010-05-25, 16:19:45

Almost all people with high functiong autism have trouble making friends. The part of the brain that is involved with social issues has not developed completely in comparison to "normal " people. Don't beat yourself up about this. It sounds like you need to read more about autism and social issues. If reading is difficult as well, there are plenty of CD books on the subject. Amazon books on line has some books/ etc., that you might be interested in. Also, counselors who deal with this can give you really good advice on how to develop friendships.

Posted by: Heidi N on 2010-05-26, 15:30:10

My son is recovered now, but he told me that he would try to think about how to socialize and the thoughts just would not come to him. When he started treating his pathogens and toxins, then his brain started working in that area. You can go to heidinotes.com to learn about autism recovery.