In the growth path of children with autism, social difficulties act as an invisible barrier, hindering their smooth communication with the outside world. This challenge not only confuses and isolates the children but also deeply concerns the parents. So, why do children with autism face such challenging social issues? Let’s step into this special world together, explore the underlying reasons, and provide parents with a guide to understanding and support.
Communication Barriers: The Dual Challenges of Non-Verbal and Verbal Communication
Children with autism often face significant difficulties in non-verbal communication. They may struggle to understand or use non-verbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, body language, making it particularly challenging to grasp and interpret others’ emotions and intentions in social situations. Additionally, verbal communication is also affected, manifesting as delayed language development, limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, or repetitive sentences, further restricting their ability to express themselves and establish connections.
Lack of Social Understanding and Rules
Children with autism often have deficiencies in social understanding and rule comprehension. They may find it challenging to understand complex social interaction rules, such as taking turns in conversation, sharing toys, maintaining appropriate distance, which are common social norms that neurotypical individuals take for granted but are formidable barriers for children with autism. This lack of understanding and adherence to rules makes them feel out of place in social settings, making it difficult for them to integrate into groups.
Atypical Sensory Processing
Children with autism often have unusual reactions to sensory stimuli. Some children may be overly sensitive to sounds, lights, touch, etc., leading to extreme discomfort in noisy or crowded environments, thus avoiding social activities. On the other hand, some children may have delayed responses to these stimuli, unable to fully perceive and understand the subtle changes in social situations. This atypical sensory processing not only affects their social experiences but also limits their willingness and ability to participate in social activities.
Barriers to Emotional Expression and Empathy
Children with autism also struggle with emotional expression and empathy. They may find it difficult to understand others’ emotional states, have trouble empathizing, and struggle to effectively express their emotional needs. This emotional disconnect makes it challenging for them to establish deep emotional connections in social interactions, further exacerbating their social difficulties.
[Contact for removal if infringement is found].
