Autism and Social Anxiety: Navigating Social Differences

Do you find yourself exhausted from trying to interpret social situations that seem to come naturally to others? Perhaps you feel anxious about missing social cues, struggle with unwritten social rules, or feel overwhelmed by sensory aspects of social gatherings. The combination of autism and social anxiety creates unique challenges, but understanding this intersection can help you develop strategies that work for your unique neurodiversity

The Autism-Social Anxiety Connection

Autism can contribute to social anxiety through:

Social Processing Differences:

• Different understanding of social rules

• Unique interpretation of social cues

• Varied communication styles

• Alternative ways of showing interest

• Different sensory processing

• Unique emotional expression

• Distinct conversation patterns

Social Impact of Autism:

• Difficulty reading implied meanings

• Challenges with unwritten social rules

• Different ways of showing empathy

• Sensory overwhelm in social settings

• Need for precise communication

• Different eye contact preferences

• Unique conversation patterns

How Social Anxiety Develops

The Development Cycle:

1. Different social processing style

2. Misunderstandings occur

3. Others may misinterpret responses wrongly

4. Self-consciousness develops

5. Anxiety about interactions grows

6. Social masking increases

7. Exhaustion from masking

8. Need for recovery intensifies

Impact on Daily Life

Social Challenges:

• Managing sensory overload

• Navigating group dynamics

• Understanding social expectations

• Maintaining energy for interactions

• Balancing authenticity with adaptation

• Processing social information

• Managing change in social situations

Emotional Impact:

• Feeling fundamentally different

• Anxiety about social expectations

• Exhaustion from masking

• Identity and acceptance challenges

• Processing overwhelm

• Recovery needs

• Self-acceptance journey

Take the First Step

Don't let the combination of autism and social anxiety hold you back. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to understand your unique challenges and build strategies for success. I want you to feel comfortable within yourself — able to navigate social situations in a way that feels good for you.

Autism Diagnosis

I work with people with diagnosed Autism, as well as those who have not received a diagnosis but relate to Autism. If you are wanting to explore an Autism diagnosis, I do not provide assessments, however, I work closely with Psychiatrists who can offer you this in conjunction with treatment with me.