03/05/2026
There’s a common misconception that Autistic people lack social skills. In reality, Autistic individuals do have social skills - they just may differ from neurotypical norms. Research consistently shows that Autistic people seek social connection and often form strong, meaningful bonds, particularly with other Autistic individuals who understand their ways of communicating and interacting.
Social differences are not deficits. They are simply a different way of experiencing connection, and when we recognize and respect these differences, Autistic people can thrive socially and emotionally.
Dr. Melanie Heyworth, founder of Reframing Autism, explores this topic in her article, Autistic Social Skills: Understanding Organic Autistic Experiences of Connection and Friendship.
🔗 You can access the article here: https://reframingautism.org.au/autistic-social-skills-understanding-organic-autistic-experiences-of-connection-and-friendship/
[ID: Against a magenta background, with the Reframing Autism logo in the upper left corner and the colourful knotwork located in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'Autistic people have social skills. What you see isn’t a deficit - it’s a difference in culture, communication, and experience.' Beneath the text is an image of two young children, standing close together and smiling with pure joy.]