Smiling at sad news?

Hello, can anyone tell me if this is experienced by people with autism? Both my son and I have a problem with smiling if being told bad news, like when being told someone has passed away.  It also happens when I'm telling someone sad news.

I will describe it as a smirk or smile and can't quire describe what I'm feeling. I feel bad for doing this, but can't seem to help it.

Has anyone here came across this reaction before?  Maybe it's due to anxiety or because we are not able to deal with the sadness?

Thank you.

Parents
  • Not sure if it's an autistic trait. In moments of extreme tension and/or anxiety, I sometimes laugh unexpectedly.

    Feeling bad for doing this indicates that it is a reflex rather than anything untoward.

    Hope that helps.

  • I thought of this thread earlier when I watched The Behaviour Panel’s analysis of an OJ Simpson video where he laughs uncontrollably while detailing how he (hypothetically) ‘would have’ murdered Nicole. Even though it looks crazy, I can’t pretend I haven’t been similarly socially mismatched in pressured moments. Thankfully nothing murder related 

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  • I thought of this thread earlier when I watched The Behaviour Panel’s analysis of an OJ Simpson video where he laughs uncontrollably while detailing how he (hypothetically) ‘would have’ murdered Nicole. Even though it looks crazy, I can’t pretend I haven’t been similarly socially mismatched in pressured moments. Thankfully nothing murder related 

Children
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