Social Skills

Hi,

I have noticed people calling each other 'darling' or 'lovey' at work.  This is always a risky think to do as it is not a sign of acceptance.  I have noticed that some people see this as a sign of acceptance, but it is, in fact, a sign of affection. 

This type of affection is shown to to romantic partners and children because they tend to need it.  You wouldn't call someone at work 'darling' unless you had little understanding of the meaning.  This is how people can get into trouble at work.  Some people with ASD copy the behaviours of others. They then see others calling each other 'darling' or 'babe' and then they copy.  However, without knowing the social context, this can be very risky in that it is likely to cause offence in others.  The safest thing thing to do is to call people by their name.

Do you find social situations difficult?  If so, what part of it do you find difficult?

Parents
  • This is what autistic people tend to struggle with, the social add-ons that are related to 'bonding'.  Autistic people tend to just communicate at a basic level, only what is required.  Just copying others is not really a good ideas, as its complicated - there are  differences depending on gender, age, 'class', etc.  Best to keep it formal at work, even if that comes across as cold or distant.  Its better than saying something over-familiar and causing a massive issue at work.

Reply
  • This is what autistic people tend to struggle with, the social add-ons that are related to 'bonding'.  Autistic people tend to just communicate at a basic level, only what is required.  Just copying others is not really a good ideas, as its complicated - there are  differences depending on gender, age, 'class', etc.  Best to keep it formal at work, even if that comes across as cold or distant.  Its better than saying something over-familiar and causing a massive issue at work.

Children
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