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Social Skills Training

NeilStone1970

Hi,

Does anyone know whether there is any social skills training for adults with Aspergers? There seems to be a lot of help for under-18s but a trawl of the Internet has n't turned up anything for adults.

I have a lot of problems starting conversations, particularly if there are people who already know each other. This happens on-line as well as in real-life. I've had CBT in the past, but that does n't teach you any techniques. People say you just have to get out there and practice, but it's difficult to motivate yourself if you don't know what you're doing. Analysing my thoughts for negative thinking really does n't work for me, so I need some sort of coaching/teaching where I get feedback, encouragement and ideas.

Any thoughts welcome.

Neil

  • I know for a lot of us with Asperger's we face a ton of heartache because of our inability to make it work with the mainstream population and be able to form friendships in relationships and a lot of times we find ourselves rejected and on the outskirts of society because of our differences. And I know a lot of people post here about this very topic and I have certainly dealt with my struggles in this area as well. As I've spent most of my life pretty much socially isolated from the rest of the world.

    That said I wanted to find out if there were people in this Reddit who had undergone social skills training. If you had did you notice a significant difference in your ability to form relationships with other people from your social skills training if you can remember?

  • There's such a huge disconnect between NeuroTypicals and Autistics. 

    Find individuals interested in what you are interested in and this will make it easier. I also find that classic literature and current well-written journalists curating interesting opinion columns help.

    The best fix to learning rule and tools to attempt connexion are found (in my experience) in theatre classes. An improv class is not easy for any autistic but the tools they provide are well worth the lessons. 

    A key to engaging with others is to be engaging. While being Others-Focused (thought full of another). I set out to become my ideal self, find art and literature which suits this self and grow as a human. As for an ideal, we can always grow and become, becoming interesting humans. We can always learn the art of rhetoric or have an interesting skill. 

    However no amount of tricks and tools will help when it comes to the secret codes of NTs and mind-reading. So allow yourself to spend more time with those who seem considerate :) 

    autisticscienceperson.com/.../

  • in reply to ScienceTony

    I have the same problem, i just don't know how to start a conversation. I listen to a lot of chat shows on the radio, were people phone-in, And programmes on Tv like Parkinson, where guests get interview.

    And i'd sit here and think ......... How did he do that ? How did he just start a conversation so easily ?

  • How about Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)?

  • I wish I could help, but I have had to learn how to socialise on my own, somewhat disastrously at times, sometimes successfully.

    Social Skills training sounds useful, just never seen or heard of it.