Try to go places with a trusted friend or relative, someone you can bounce things off of.These kinds of scripts take the pressure off, as we tend to over-think things in social situations. If someone’s pet/relative/friend has died, you say, “I’m sorry for your loss” even though you don’t feel sorry because you never knew them and they were old anyway. If someone else has had something nice happen to them, say “congratulations” even if you think its not important or exciting. if someone compliments you, say “thank you, that is very kind” or something to that effect. Have scripts for specific situations, e.g.We are not known for modesty, so do curb any tendency towards arrogance.

No matter how great other people think you are, it’s not okay to admit you think you’re great too.Don’t go on and on about yourself or your interests unless asked, and not for more than a minute.Always ask how the other person is, and it helps to throw in a “ how is your family?” (or pet, or girlfriend, etc.).Consider them signposts or turns in the road. Please, thank you, hi, how are you, nice to meet you, goodbye, have a nice day, may all seem trite and meaningless but they are cues, transitions so that things can flow. Manners are the oil which make situations run smoothly.If you like and value yourself, others may follow suit. Have interests and activities that raise your self-esteem.Keep in good mental and physical shape, through healthy diet and exercise.Here are a few basics to help you in social situations: Rocket science may be simple, but social conversation is an unfathomable mystery for many of us. We get overloaded, awkward, bombarded, confused. But authentic communication in a crowd-and by a crowd I mean more than one-very difficult. Performance, on the other hand, may be quite comfortable for many aspies, because people stimulate the amygdala in our brain causing a rush of adrenalin, perfect for belting songs on stage, or short bouts of witty banter.

Does this mean I don’t have Aspergers? Of course not! People with Aspergers want to socialize, but years of getting it wrong may knock the desire to try right out of us. I love to sing, do stand up comedy, go to restaurants and sometimes (although very rarely) I even want to go to a party. There comes a time in every Aspie’s life, that having a life means facing our fears and going out into the world. Having a life means facing our fears and going out

Asperger's on the Job by Rudy Simone