Eye Contact & Autism

 

How do I socialize?  The easy way is to ignore it, and go on lonely and not knowing why.  I wanted human contact in short doses, usually with my neighbors, so I could feel like I belonged, but their social skills easily surpassed my own with seemingly no effort.  I knew I wasn’t good at it, and I would screw up in situations.

I thought, “Maybe I am not that likable.”

As the years have passed, people told me how nice I am, thoughtful I am, and decent I am.  But, that’s after years of being autistic.

Then Facebook came along, and with it our autistic voices…and yes, it requires no eye contact.  We can be with people like us.  We can  talk with each other.  And, we belong with each other.

Most of the time, I read posts, but do not often post myself.  I don’t know what to say.

I imagine for young people, Facebook and other forums will help them to socialize from a much younger age.  For autistics who do not speak verbally, some can speak with their computer.  It is totally different for each person with autism, but the forum is there for any way they want to engage.

Writing note:  Sorry, but I played with groups of three.  🙂