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'Training' kids to socialize

Autist

I found this article online.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202308/should-autistic-children-be-trained-to-socialize

I'm not sure I entirely like the idea of trying to 'train' autistic kids, or adults come to that, to be more social.

More support is what's needed. We don't need to be trained to socialize. We aren't dogs! 

What does require more training is the professionals' understanding of autism.

Thoughts on this?

Parents

  • It's definitely an interesting read. 

    I don't take the term "train" to mean anything derogatory - liking us to dogs - but rather take it in the same context as training someone for a new job.

    That being said however, I think that social skills can be good, but only for those who want it. Neurotypical people should be making more of an effort to adapt to autistic ways. Social norms are stupid 9/10 times anyway tbh.

    I think it would also be good if you had a mix of kids in those groups. And rather than focusing on stuff like eye contact(because seriously who cares) it should be things like how to feel comfortable in larger groups or in situations with background noise etc.

Reply

  • It's definitely an interesting read. 

    I don't take the term "train" to mean anything derogatory - liking us to dogs - but rather take it in the same context as training someone for a new job.

    That being said however, I think that social skills can be good, but only for those who want it. Neurotypical people should be making more of an effort to adapt to autistic ways. Social norms are stupid 9/10 times anyway tbh.

    I think it would also be good if you had a mix of kids in those groups. And rather than focusing on stuff like eye contact(because seriously who cares) it should be things like how to feel comfortable in larger groups or in situations with background noise etc.

Children
  • in reply to boopBrownie

    I thought it was interesting as well.

    I didn't take training as that either not o do worry that some people will. A lot of people I've interacted with have had a bad impression on us, on autism. I've been trying my hardest to show people the right impression.

    boopBrownie said:
    I think it would also be good if you had a mix of kids in those groups. And rather than focusing on stuff like eye contact(because seriously who cares) it should be things like how to feel comfortable in larger groups or in situations with background noise etc.

    I agree! This would be beneficial greatly for many autistic children and adults. Good point.