Social participation can look different for different people. Choose an interaction you actually want, such as asking about a shared interest or joining part of an activity. You do not have to use eye contact, hide harmless movement, or stay longer than you want to make the attempt count.
How to use this page
Choose a meaningful interaction, a preferred way to communicate, and a way to pause if needed.
Clarify the situation
Find out who will be there, what the activity involves, and how long you want to stay. You can ask direct questions rather than guessing unwritten rules. Consider sensory access, transport, and whether the setting is welcoming.
Choose an opening and exit
Prepare a sentence, message, gesture, or communication-device option. For example: Is there room for one more person? The other person can decline. Plan a simple exit or break request and decide what you want to learn from the attempt.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
What social interaction do I choose, and why does it matter to me?
What information or access support would make it easier?
How could I begin in my preferred communication style?
How will I pause or leave, and what will I notice afterward?
Facilitator notes and adaptation
Avoid compliance, masking, forced eye contact, and normative judgments about sociability. Assess bullying, discrimination, and actual access barriers. Individualize for communication needs and culture. Success is the person's meaningful participation and agency, not a prescribed social performance.
Sources behind the concepts
These sources inform the concepts in this original resource. They do not validate or endorse this specific page.