Hello Everyone! New Member of WrongPlanet!

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Hi everyone, Ive been reading up on the ASD spectrum as my girlfriend's son has Autism and I am meeting him for Thursday for the first time. I have read,read, and read some more, and the key thing popping up, is rigidity in his schedule, We are in love, and I really want this to go right. I am not afraid, nor will run the other direction on a bad day or bad initial meeting. My main concern is his comfort with a new face that may throw off his schedule, or rigidity. Any pointers or tips will be appreciated greatly. Thank you!

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Be relaxed, try to be nice, but don't try too hard.

He may be very interested in you or he may show little interest.

Trying to make this about his comfort and avoiding throwing him off sounds like a great plan. The thing I would want you to know is that it isn't personal if he seems to ignore you, he probably isn't being rude, so take whatever he does calmly.

Did I mention stay relaxed? Many though not all kids with autism are confused by signs of stress in others. I think it's that people cover their frustration with a facade of politeness, but their are contradictions. Anyway, being calm will make you more likeable. You and his mom worrying how things will go may generate confusing social signals that can be misinterpreted as something negative. Of course though if he gets excited by something that's going to be fine to share in the excitement.

Sounds exciting, hope the introduction goes smoothly!

Welcome to WP.

I concur with the above poster's advice.