Social Navigation & Energy

Autism has nothing to do with being introverted or extroverted. The social challenges of autism are different from preferring solitude.

Drains faster: Small talk, unfamiliar people, noisy environments, heavy masking.

Drains slower: Parallel play, comfortable silences, activity-based socializing, special interests.

Parallel Play

"Being in the same room but doing separate activities = ideal socializing." — Autistic adult

"Together alone." This IS connection.

Before events: Know the plan (who, where, how long). Prepare conversation topics. Have exit strategy.

Scripts: "Hi, how are you?" / "How was your weekend?" / "I need to get going"

Exit strategies: Own transportation, pre-planned excuse, permission to leave early.

"I will drive across town to avoid a 2-minute phone call." — Autistic adult

Why they're hard: Missing visual info, processing pressure, unpredictability.

What helps: Write notes beforehand. "Let me think about that." Request written follow-up.

Alternatives: "Would email work?" / "Please text instead of calling."

One-on-one: Often easiest—fewer people, can go deeper.

Small groups: Find your role, take breaks.

Large events: Find quiet areas, limit duration, permission to leave early.

Look for: shared interests, direct communicators, other neurodivergent people.

Online counts as real connection. Whatever works for you.

Your social style is valid. Find people who communicate like you do.