I primarily ask this, because for a large part of my life, I have found it hard to build meaningful friendships with neurotypicals. I don’t know any autistic people in real life, but wonder if it would be easier for me to build friendships with them?
Or maybe this has more to do with general struggles of being autistic, rather than how alike I am to others. However, I always find neurotypicals don’t really go deep in conversation, but they enjoy small talk. Yet, I’m the complete opposite.
What has been your experience?
I find people with autism or ADHD want to be more straight forward, which can be easier, but at the same time, some people expect you to be super straight and honest with them and that can be challenging because it feels rude or it feels like you’re forcing them to conform.
Do they call themselves/identify as neurotypicals, or are you just calling them that?
It might be that you are assuming typicality when they have communication requirements you are failing to account for, making it hard for them.
They might enjoy deep conversation rather than small talk but find it difficult to engage with your approach. Maybe give them a little time and let them feel comfortable in the process rather than pressuring them?
You have some good points. I have assumed them as neurotypicals, for one reason or another.
Maybe, I could try being mindful of everyone’s communication style. Trying different things, and seeing what works best for each person.
I don’t think I consciously pressure them. I generally don’t initiate deep conversation, as it has not always gone well in the past, so now I just mask with small talk, despite hating it. But I will try to be mindful of my approach nonetheless.
