Conversation cards can be a helpful tool for individuals on the autism spectrum who may have difficulty with social interactions, including dating. These cards typically contain prompts or open-ended questions that can be used to initiate and guide conversations. They can be especially useful for individuals who may struggle with initiating conversations or maintaining eye contact.
Some examples of conversation prompts that may be included on conversation cards for dating include:
- "What do you like to do in your free time?"
- "What is something you're passionate about?"
- "What are your favorite hobbies or interests?"
- "What is something you're currently reading or watching?"
Conversation cards can be used in a variety of settings, including during first dates, group dates, or even online dating. They can help to create a structure and ease pressure by giving the user something specific to talk about.
Using conversation cards in dating situations can also help to create a sense of shared control over the conversation. By giving the other person a prompt or question to answer, it can take some of the pressure off of the individual on the autism spectrum to come up with something to say.
It is worth noting that while conversation cards can be a helpful tool, they are not a substitute for learning the underlying social skills and the interactions dynamics, and it is always beneficial to seek support from professionals with experience working with autism spectrum disorder.