Autism and Social Skills?

Post Reply New Topic

I have always had an internalized debate with myself about whether or not I am on the spectrum. I was diagnosed with NVLD, alongside Depression GAD and ADD, at 13, which really forced me to consider if autism is/was a component to many of the issues I have internally and externally. On one hand, being diagnosed with NVLD made total sense; my handwriting has been historically abominable, my mathematical/spatial reasoning is MUCH lower than my Verbal abilities, and I have lots of balance and coordination issues that sometimes make stiff/awkward movements in life.

But, then there is that last piece: poor social skills/inability to read others body language. Maybe I simply have learned to cope particularly well, but I find it hard to believe that I have the social skills deficit necessary to consider myself on the spectrum. I have been a lead in two plays, have interned as a sales representative, and am generally considered extremely people savvy by those around me. On the other hand though, I often feel an inherent disconnect from most people and consider my social abilities to serve as a mask that is bound to run out soon enough with any individual person. So I am really not sure how to interpret my social skills and what that would implicate about myself in terms of being on the Autism Spectrum. Any insight?

Well, how do you go with maintaining a reciprocal conversation?
Do you get caught out by sarcasm, or take things literally?
What about group conversations in noisy environments?
Using the phone?

If you have no issues with any of the above I'm guessing it might not be autism.

I think around 1 in 7 people have autistic traits. Whether you qualify for an autism diagnosis depends on whether you meet an arbitrary cut-off that changes from time to time. If you're close to the cut-off, some psychologists would diagnose you with autism while others would say you're not autistic. People who meet the criteria aren't that much different than people who don't. Social skills can be improved, stress can be reduced, and emotional problems such as depression and anxiety can be overcome.

Have you considered an evaluation specific for autism?

My social skills are uneven, so it took me a very long time to realize the difference between emotional intelligence and IQ. It can take me days to make a 'phone call, but when I'm on the spot and have to teach a class or otherwise perform in public, it usually goes well. Yesterday I told a funny story on a zoom call, and got the best laugh we've had there in weeks. However, when I try to explain simple-to-me engineering, people get lost.