Autism and Social Skills: An Adult Diagnosis Journey

When it comes to social skills, the question often arises, especially for those with autism, how they evolve over time. While the social skills of an individual with autism may not necessarily improve after an adult diagnosis, they can still exhibit a remarkable range in quality and adaptability. In this article, we explore the autism and social skills journey of an adult diagnosed with autism, delving into the nuances of their experiences and perceptions.

Autism and Social Skills: A Common Question

One common question among those with autism is whether their social skills will improve after an adult diagnosis. The short answer, as shared by one individual, is often a resounding ‘no.’ diagnosed as an adult, one person noted:

The short answer is that they haven't. I was diagnosed as an adult so I did my social skills improvement years ago. I think I'm as good as I'm going to get in that department which is still below average.

This sentiment reflects a common attitude among individuals with autism, who often feel that their social skills are already well-established by the time they receive a diagnosis. Despite this, there are various perspectives and experiences that highlight the diverse ways social skills can evolve or remain unchanged.

The Perception of Social Skills

Some individuals with autism find that their social skills are generally fine, particularly if they are highly effective maskers. One person shared:

My social skills are generally fine. Many autistic women are highly effective maskers and although we perhaps don’t hold up well over extended periods of time or with people who know us well, I don’t stand out as being obviously socially incompetent in generic interactions.

While these maskers can navigate social situations reasonably well, they often face challenges when dealing with prolonged interactions or individuals who know them well. The ability to fake social competence can be a double-edged sword, masking underlying struggles and compounding the difficulties faced in more intimate or prolonged social encounters.

The Reality of Social Skills

Another individual provided a more nuanced perspective, indicating that while their social skills may not have improved, they have become more socially aware:

In all honesty, they haven't very much at all. I'm more socially aware of people's feelings but inside it is the same – none of it makes any sense to me. On the outside, it looks like they improved tenfold until I mess up. This happens more frequently than one might think. If anything, the only thing that got better was my camouflaging/mimicry. Copying something and understanding it are two very different things. I could copy a paragraph in another language no problem but chances are I won’t understand the language itself.

For this individual, the ability to mimic social interactions has improved their outward appearance but does not equate to a deeper understanding of the underlying social dynamics. This highlights the common challenge of masking one's true feelings and thoughts, a strategy often employed to navigate social interactions successfully.

Improvement in Social Skills

Not all individuals with autism feel that their social skills remain static. Some may experience significant improvements, as noted by another individual:

They have improved significantly. I am a better listener and am far better at pacing my speech than I used to be.

This represents a more positive outcome, indicating that with time and practice, social skills can indeed improve. For those who do see improvement, it can bring a sense of confidence and reduced anxiety in social situations. The progress may be gradual and require ongoing effort, but the benefits can be substantial.

Conclusion

The journey of social skills for individuals with autism is complex and multifaceted. While some may not see significant improvements or feel they are already at their peak level, others can experience notable enhancements. The key is recognizing that social skills can vary widely among individuals with autism and that each person's journey is unique.

For those who are socially aware and continue to work on their communication and social interactions, the prospects for improvement can be promising. Meanwhile, for those who find their social skills have not improved after an adult diagnosis, the emphasis should be on finding coping strategies and identifying supportive environments where they can thrive.

Keywords: autism, social skills, adult diagnosis