Encouraging your newly diagnosed autistic friend to talk about topics beyond her life and interests might require some patience and understanding. It's important to recognize that autistic individuals may have difficulties with social communication and may naturally gravitate towards discussing their own interests or experiences, especially when they feel more comfortable doing so.
Here are some strategies to help foster more balanced conversations and potentially encourage her to engage in other topics:
Explicitly express your feelings: Let your friend know how you feel about the conversations. Be honest and gentle in expressing that while you enjoy hearing about her life and interests, you'd also like to share more about yourself and have more balanced conversations.
Model balanced conversation: Lead by example and talk about your own experiences, interests, and opinions during your interactions. This can show her that it's acceptable and welcomed to discuss other topics besides her own.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your friend to share her thoughts and opinions about broader topics by asking open-ended questions. These questions invite her to share her perspective on various subjects beyond her immediate interests.
Share common interests: Find shared interests that you both enjoy talking about. By discussing mutual passions, you can foster a more balanced conversation where both of you can participate actively.
Be patient and non-judgmental: Remember that it might take time for her to adjust her communication style. Avoid expressing frustration or judgment about her focus on herself. Instead, remain supportive and understanding.
Give her space and time: Some autistic individuals might need more time to process information and formulate responses. Allow her the space to gather her thoughts and respond at her own pace.
Explore her interests together: Show genuine interest in her passions and learn more about them. This can help you better understand her perspective while also offering opportunities for more diverse discussions.
Set boundaries: It's essential to establish boundaries in any friendship. While you want to support your friend, you also need to ensure that the relationship feels balanced and that your needs are being met as well.
It's important to remember that everyone's communication style is unique, and some individuals, regardless of whether they are autistic or not, might have a tendency to focus on themselves in conversations. Additionally, autism is a spectrum, and communication styles can vary widely among autistic individuals.
As your friend becomes more aware of your preferences and with your patient encouragement, she may become more open to discussing a broader range of topics in your conversations. However, it's also possible that she may continue to have a preference for discussing her interests more often, and that's okay too. The key is to find a balance that works for both of you and fosters a meaningful and supportive friendship.