ASD and Difficulty in Understanding the Emotional and Social World

People with ASD have a tough time comprehending what’s going on in the social world. For example, they may pay attention to WHAT the other person is saying, but not HOW he or she is saying it (e.g., the term “thanks” may be a genuine expression of gratitude or a form of sarcasm, depending on the situation).

Many adults with ASD have a desire to interact, but they often do so in an odd way. Many of them long to form romantic relationships (as they understand them) but may have little idea how to make the relationship work.

They may have very little insight into how they are perceived by others due to the fact that they have problems reading social or emotional cues. Their approach is often awkward and one-sided and reflects a lack of understanding that the other people in the exchange have needs and desires that have to be taken into account. As a result, some of these people may come off as pushy, insensitive, or strange.



The person with ASD may be able to describe correctly (in a cognitive and formalistic way) the other person’s emotions and desires - but is often unable to act on this knowledge spontaneously and intuitively. As a result, the tempo of the interaction gets lost.

The lack of spontaneous adaptation and poor intuition is often accompanied by a significant reliance on rigid social conventions and formalistic rules of behavior. These traits are basically responsible for the impression of behavioral rigidity and social naiveté and that is often witnessed in the Aspie. Such social skills deficits may be somewhat masked in the early going of a romantic relationship - but may stand out in sharp relief once the individual begins to feel comfortable with his or her partner.

It is often said that the person with ASD “lacks empathy.” In fact, some “neurotypicals” (i.e., non-autistic people) go so far as to say that he is sociopathic (e.g., extremely intelligent, but has no feelings for others). While this view may be understandable (especially in the eyes of a hurt, embittered neurotypical spouse), it’s far from being the case. 

A real sociopath is a cruel exploiter with a creepy ability to read and use others’ emotions against them for his or her own gain. In sharp contrast, the person with ASD is simply clueless. For example, due to his social ineptitude and unawareness of social rules and expectations, he may make blunt requests of a sexual nature, or his intense “special interests” may lead him to commit strange acts associated with those interests.

Many people with ASD are also accused of being rude and critical. Why? Because they tend to say what they are is thinking without the “social filter” that neurotypical people make use of. The Aspie may make a comment on somebody’s appearance, level of intelligence, disability, race, or political affiliation without any awareness that such a comment is hurtful.

The unapproachable and aloof individual has often been likened to Mr. Spock of Star Trek (all logic and no emotion). The less aloof individual may resemble Mr. Data (also of Star Trek fame). He was an android who, like Pinocchio, wanted to be a “real” person, but had great difficulty understanding romance, emotion, and humor. Both of these characters offer an opportunity for insight into what it may be like to be a person on the spectrum– so smart in some ways, so lost in others.

Resources for Neurodiverse Couples:

==> Online Group Therapy for Men with ASD

==> Online Group Therapy for NT Wives

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples 

==> One-on-One Counseling for Struggling Individuals & Couples Affected by Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism  

==> Online Group Therapy for Couples and Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

 ==> Cassandra Syndrome Recovery for NT Wives

What's The Best Therapy for Adults with Aspergers?

“My name is Josh and I’m a 24 y.o. recently diagnosed Aspie and was wondering what the best therapy would be. I have (and had for many years) anxiety issues, depression, difficulty connecting with some people, some sensory sensitivities, just to name a few.”

No “best” therapy exists since every person on the spectrum is different. What may be highly effective for someone else may not benefit you in the least. But, there are several standard courses of treatment that can address different issues, depending on the individual.

Here are some of the most prevalent options available:

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): Although the majority of ABA is done with kids, experts are starting to work with adults, too. Basic living skills is a popular goal for this therapy (booking a flight, renting an apartment, preparing for a job interview, etc.).

2. Speech and Language Therapy: This therapy deals with social communication, and in some cases, social skills (e.g., how to get better and reading non-verbal cues and body language).

3. Social Skills Training: This therapy can help you learn how to relate better to others (e.g., details such as personal space and understanding slang, how to recognize social cues and gestures, making and keeping friends, etc.).

4. Sensory Integration Therapy: This therapy will help you get your sensory systems in synch.

5. Physical Therapy: This therapy addresses the physical clumsiness that sometimes comes with the disorder (e.g., problems with balance, awkward gait, etc.).

6. Occupational Therapy: This approach is basically used to teach independence (e.g., typing, handwriting, social skills, sports skills such as bowling, etc.).

7. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This method is used to treat the emotional side of Aspergers (e.g., obsessions, anxiety, depression, etc.). CBT will help you form the connections between emotions and behavior.

Best of luck Josh!

==> Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples

 

==> Online Group Therapy for Couples and Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder