Breaking the Cycle of Social Isolation Mary R Cohen, PhD Autism Spectrum Diagnostics & Consulting

Quality of Life Studies For Adults What is the overall functioning and quality of life (QoL) of adults on the Autism Spectrum? Orsmond, G.I., Shattuck, P.T., Cooper, B.P., Sterzing, P.R., Anderson, K.A., 2013 Longitudinal Transition Study Billstedt, E., Gillberg, I.A. & Gillberg, C., 2011 Robertson, S.M., 2010 Renty, J.O. & Roeyers, H., 2006.

The Consistent Finding across all Studies Social Participation Community Integration Improved QoL

Factors that contribute to social Isolation for Adults Lack of Transportation (not driving, living in areas without public transport) Lack of exposure to social groups post graduation Lack of community involvement (attending church, recreational activities, concerts, special interest groups clubs) Lack of comfort initiating social contact Over reliance on internet, social media without face-to-face social contact Factors that contribute to social Isolation for Adults

Different Social Interaction Needs Not everyone needs the same degree of social interaction (Susan Cain, The Power of Introverts) Socializing can be overstimulating and exhausting for individuals with ASD

Effects of bullying & Social Exclusion Difficulty trusting neurotypicals Going into protective mode Lack of a range of social experiences Negative bias (missing the positive) Anticipation of negative social outcomes Increased social anxiety Feelings of persecution Feelings of inadequacy Effects of bullying & Social Exclusion

An ability to let go of the past has gotten much easier as my range of experiences has grown. The more situations I live through, the better able I am to put them into perspective and let those that are inconsequential fall by the wayside. Sean Barron “Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships”

Social Media Pros & Cons Provides opportunities to meet people and stay ”in the loop” Expands social network to meet more “like- minded” people A resource for social information(Google it!) Provides opportunities for meeting a romantic partner Provides information about social & community events (ASD social groups, film festivals, concerts, volunteer opportunities) Cyber exclusion/cyberbullying Superficial or unauthentic (people act differently in real life situations) Doesn’t provide experience recognizing nonverbal cues (unless you’re using Skype, Video Chat) On own terms (you can leave when you like unlike most social situations) Doesn’t require much initiation Overdependence; can become only link to the outside world

The more you stay at home the harder it is to leave Strong link between Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia Stressful social situations cause amygdala activation and heightened arousal which strengthens the phobic response Traumatic social experiences from the past can cause flight responses Conditioned to avoid anxiety producing situations (dealing with people!)

overcoming Social Anxiety Set your own social goals based on your interests and needs Avoid large social situations with too many people Avoid over-stimulating social situations (loud parties, bars) Keep social experiences on a 1: 1 basis until you feel comfortable Practice mindfulness meditation before socializing If you have to go to a large event, take a trusted support person Work with a social mentor who will help you process social signals Join an organized social group (meetup.com) Don’t put pressure on yourself/ Take it at your own pace!!

Successful Social Support Models Drop In Members drop in for social experiences Encouraged to attend but not required Center open certain days and times Guest speakers, discussion groups Unstructured and structured social time Meet up Scheduled social activities Volunteer service opportunities “Mentor-in Chief” organizes activities Monthly meeting where members select activities Long time members mentor new ones

Examples New Horizons Club (Delaware Valley) Meetup Socializing with Support (Delaware Valley) Meetup Bucks County Coffee House (Bucks Co residents) Drop In Community Autism Socials at Yale CASY (New Haven) Social Networking Website /Monthly event Adaptations Program JCC Manhattan(New York metro) Drop In