Atypical Social Communication is Associated with Positive Initial Impressions Among Peers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Granieri, McNair, Gerber, Reifler and Lerner (2020)
Non-neurotypical social and communication is a core aspect of Autism. For many years it has been thought to interfere with making new friends and first impressions from neurotypical peers. Emerging literature suggests that these differences may function differently among Autistic peers. This article investigates the relationship between atypical social communication patterns and first impressions sociometric ratings by Autistic peers. The authors detail in their findings that several forms of atypical communication amongst Autistic youth were associated with more positive first impressions by their Autistic peers. The article stresses that interventions designed to increase friendships amongst Autistic youths may benefit from shifting their approach to encompass atypical social communication.
