How does the social world work for us?
![Autism - Social Stuff - Gender, sexuality and relationships](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/gender-sexuality-and-relationships-FI-300x200.png)
Gender, Sexuality & Relationships
Autism and Gender Gender presentation is something personal to each individual, whether they are autistic or not. Interestingly though, a large study by the University
![Autism - Social Stuff - Why male and female autism are unhelpful terms](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/male-female-autism-FI-300x200.png)
Why “male and female” autism are unhelpful terms
You might see people talking about ‘male’ and ‘female’ autism. Often this is well-meaning. It comes from the fact that autism is thought to be
![Autism - Social Stuff - Relationships](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/autism-and-relationships-FI-300x200.png)
Autism & Relationships
For the purpose of this page, “relationship” means the kind you might call “romantic”, rather than with friends, family etc. What is a Relationship? Relationships
![Autism - Social Stuff - Friendships](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/friendships-FI-300x200.png)
Friendships
What is a Friendship? A friendship is a relationship, or special connection, between two or more people who like each other and enjoy spending time
![Autism - Social Stuff - Supporting friends who are struggling](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/supporting-friends-FI-300x200.png)
Supporting Friends Who Are Struggling
When someone is struggling, it is really important to listen to them, so they feel less alone. You might not have a solution for their
![Autism - Social Stuff - Double empathy](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/double-empathy-FI-300x200.png)
Double Empathy
The double empathy problem is a theory that explains the difficulties autistic people face when socialising with non-autistic people. It’s sometimes said that all autistic
![Special Interests](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/special-interests-FI-300x200.png)
Special Interests
Some autistic people don’t like the term ‘special’ because it feels patronising, so intense or deep interests may be a more accurate way to explain
![Autism - Social Stuff - We do not need social skills training](https://autismunderstood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dont-need-social-skills-FI-300x200.png)
We do not need social skills training
A video explaining why autistic people do not need social skills training, and what can be better
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Surviving The Festive Season
Christmas and the holiday season can come with a lot of uncertainty, change and extra socialising, which can make it a difficult time for some
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