is there a list of social guidelines?

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That book looks pretty good, I am just looking at the kindle sample. Thanks for posting it

Using my OT point of view, I agree. I think the setting and what your role in the setting also have a lot to do with the social rules, too. For example, back in the day when I was an occupational therapist at the school system, there are some things about me that are taboo for me to say to even a teacher that I was working with. However, if I was with a friend at a coffee shop, those same things might not be the case.

In my view, you have to be as mindful about the setting as you can. In some settings, a mistake can ruin you for a long time. If you have trouble, consult an NT friend you trust or two before you go in.

Using my OT point of view, I agree. I think the setting and what your role in the setting also have a lot to do with the social rules, too. For example, back in the day when I was an occupational therapist at the school system, there are some things about me that are taboo for me to say to even a teacher that I was working with. However, if I was with a friend at a coffee shop, those same things might not be the case.

In my view, you have to be as mindful about the setting as you can. In some settings, a mistake can ruin you for a long time. If you have trouble, consult an NT friend you trust or two before you go in.

Thanks, Georgia.

Also just remember that just because he talks about only those subjects in a casual conversation does't mean he is a special expert on them. I wonder for example whether a backseat lawyer may be more likely to talk excessively about formal legal matters than someone who actually understands the subject. Is the following more typical of a someone who mentions law when it is socially appropriate or is it more typical of someone who goes on and on about it?

Wikipedia breaks many US laws, for example even though some articles contain pornographic material, there are no age-verifcation filters. Wikipedia also breaks US whistleblowers protection law, sometimes when you point out that some other users edits or log actions are illegal you may be banned for "legal threats," such as in this case. Anyone who acts as a administrator is treated and an employee even if they are not paid.

I'd have him keep in mind that every conversation is a learning experience. Not just learning about facial expressions, social cues, that sort of thing, but also about the other person, and that person's interests, taboos, quirks, etc. Aspies are at their worst when they think they know everything (I've been there).
There are also regional and microcultural differences too, which can only be learned through experience.

There used to be a sticky thread on the general Autism discussion here, but they took it off ages ago (probably about 2 years ago now), and I do miss that thread. It was called ''The Autism Social Rules Book'' or something like that, can't quite remember what it was exactly called but it was useful and was fun to add new things to it too because you felt you was helping.

Wish they would give it back.

Follow your instincts. Do what feels right. Don't push yourself.

Star Ford's book had an incredibly positive effect on my life. Star's book explained so many questions. She attended AutHaven in February and gave a presentation on another huge project that can make an impact in the lives of Autistic people everywhere. She is in the process of building a retreat center [Ocate Cliffs] that will be built by and run exclusively by Autistics. She needs volunteers this summer to help with the initial building construction. Also, she has initiated a non profit to help Autistics obtain IT jobs.

Listen people, this is what one woman is doing to make a difference. But she cannot do it herself. We all need to spend less time trying to placate NTs', and bow to their desires and more time working on ways to improve our own lives and those of other Autistics.

Started reading this guide and think it's good because it's quite detailed. This guide is focused on how to be more outgoing but it also has a lot of stuff on how to make conversation, body language etc

Link to the outgoing guide

Here's the chapter about making conversation

Not specifically made for aspies I think but there is still good advice in it worth checking out!