Social signals in a group conversation — for and with autistic people. Explore the layer beneath the words.
The same exchange, but what does each group member see? Click a perspective to see which social layers are or aren't picked up.
How sharply does each group member pick up social signals? Each axis represents a dimension of social perception. Not as a judgement — as a map.
These are the social signals that are constantly present in a group conversation. For some they are obvious, for others invisible.
The way something is said — speed, pitch, pauses — carries a message separate from the words.
Conversations are an exchange: asking questions, responding to what the other shares, giving space. When that's missing it feels like a monologue.
Groups build a shared story. Those who miss the context miss references and dynamics from earlier interactions.
What is meant is not in the words. "Maybe we should take a break" can mean: I'm exhausted, we need to stop.
Facial expressions, body posture and eye contact guide the flow of conversation and signal how someone is doing.
Who has the floor now? Who is tense? What undercurrent is playing? This energy is always present but not always explicit.
How do you help a group member who misses social signals, without causing harm — and how do you help the group understand what's happening?
Don't say "you don't understand" — make the pattern visible as something in the communication, not in someone's identity.
Build the habit of translating subtext into the group. Not as an exception for one person, but as a group norm.
A shared document, a brief summary after a conversation, or a fixed reflection moment help build shared understanding.
Social processing takes more time for some. A moment of silence, a check-in round, or the option to respond later helps.
The group can learn too: what feels logical to you that might be unfollowable for others? Vulnerability is mutual.