Forced to socialize

[Ylva]

Bit ableist, but raises some good points.

https://theconversation.com/children-with-autism-shouldnt-be-forced-to-socialise-44585

 

[Myway]

Amen. I agree. But sometimes kids with autism should socialize, but never forced. I am glad that I am not forced to socialize because then it would be even harder for me to communicate.

 

[AGXStarseed]

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." - Henry David Thoreau

 

[umbrellabeach]

I agree. I've been forced to socialize and it never resulted in friendships or improved social skills. More often it led to bullying. I consider it a waste of time now unless I know and like the people I'm with.

 

[NothingToSeeHere]

I certainly agree that autistic children should not be forced to socialise too much, although the sad reality is that most adults will not get far in our society if they don't have at least a basic ability to socialise. However, I found myself disagreeing with a lot of what was said on autistic people wanting to learn to interact with and understand others. From a very young age I put a lot of time and effort into trying to learn to socialise 'normally' and to understand others, without any material reward. I was eventually somewhat successful, but not to the extent that some of this article suggests should have occurred with some motivation.