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

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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”

8. 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

10. 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!)

11. 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!!

12. 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

13. 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