Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 72 (Member's Dashboard) | Page 59

SOCIAL SKILLS ASPIE DATING: 10 Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for Love By Alan DD D ating can be filled with stress and insecurity, but what happens when you add to this the fact that your date has Asperger’s syndrome? What should you do and what should you not do? How can you make things work? Here are 10 points to keep in mind when fall- ing in love with one of us Aspies: 1. We prefer to listen Anyone who knows the basic signs of Asperger’s syndrome will understand this. We’re not that inter- ested in talking, but we can handle listening to other 60 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72 people, learning their opinions, or just sharing our thoughts now and then. And sometimes it takes less of our energy to do it. 2. There is a right way get us talking It’s better to directly ask when you want an opinion from us. We’re not best friends with indirect com- ments or sarcasm, although we can learn depending on the person. And be careful when touching on a topic we are interested in: we will talk and talk, and will love it if you share the same interest!