If autistic people can practice not being shy, why can't they "undo" other things...?

Question

such as reading comprehension issues or some other social skills difficulties? Or is it just like everything else slow to learn...it just takes time to build up the way the other things have been built up?

You guys are so nice. I hope I give you guys nice answers too.

Answer 1

Autistic people are not "shy".They lack the ability to pick up on social cues like the rest of us. We all learned how to be social just by being around people and absorbing it. They can't, so they have to be taught, and practice, and try to follow the "social rules".
They never actually undo anything.
If they are taught something in a way that they can learn it, they do have a chance to learn it. There are a lot of special programs specifically geared toward autistic people and the special ways they learn.
Social stories is one of them that uses simple stories and pictures to illustrate what a person would do in a specific social situation. ("The rules".)

Answer 2

Where the assumption that Autistic persons are not "shy", they are sometimes extremely sensitive and perceptual to their environment. They are hurt easily but simply do not show it. Successful emotional expression is sometimes harnessed through fine arts.

Where they lack the ability discern social cues, like expression of anger, is simply not registered in their minds as the attribution of anger has to be obvious in a sometimes rational and logical way. With more than one reason for an emotion to precipitate, swift conclusion is not made on the seemingly obvious cause.

Illustration or simulation of social rules of a non-autistic provides an identifiable model with which to emulate, copycat and reaction according to prescribed acceptable social norms. This is akin to blind or rote learning without truly understanding or being able to identify the stimuli, but will allow persons so inclined to be more acceptable to society.

To unlearn with a closely guided learning environment is easier compared to social interpretation of what people take for granted daily. Where reading comprehension is an issue, the mind is unable to anchor on to obvious key points, similarly taken for granted of most people that the point is obvious.

Answer 3

Neat question. I don't think it's ever an issue of trying to "undo" things. It's more of trying to become more comfortable with their surroundings. I think reading comprehension becomes hindered with the fact that autistic people have a hard time expressing themselves (or they simply do it differently than the rest of us sometimes). It's important to remember that no one knows what causes it or how to "cure" it yet, so there's no telling why you can't undo things. I had a student with autism in my class last year (which by no means makes me an expert, lol), and he has made TREMENDOUS growth socially. He actually strikes up conversations with strangers on occasion. I had him ALL YEAR last year, and I got excited just last week because he initiated a greeting to me. People with autism can and do become progressively social, but it takes time, patience, and structure for all parties involved.

Answer 4

There are many levels of autism. Some individuals with autism are able to achieve high educational goals, yet they lack social skills. One-on-one therapeutic treatment with autistic children and adolescents is often very effective in making social and life style improvements.

Answer 5

Every person is individual. Autistic or not. Some with differences can learn several skills; some can learn only one or two. Time is needed.