Overcoming Social Challenges & Finding Relationships with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities are just that: individuals. No two people share the same communication style, needs, or goals. Socialization for adults with disabilities is a similarly varied and unique experience. Below, we address common challenges and solutions you can use to approach your social life confidently and in a way that feels right.

Common Social Challenges Adults May Face

Anyone can juggle social challenges, but adults with disabilities may be especially likely to encounter them. 

Some forms of disability might change how a person communicates altogether. Others may impact how an individual lives their life, creating an invisible barrier between their experiences and those of others.

No matter what, it’s possible to rise above social challenges and create meaningful bonds with others. Whether you live with a disability or know someone who does, understanding common challenges like these can help you pinpoint solutions that truly help.

• Unshared Personal Experiences. Many people with disabilities throughout history have been subject to discrimination, misunderstanding, and even violence. Feeling “separate” from others can make socialization seem intimidating. It also creates the belief that there is a “normal” and an “other,” which may be damaging in its own right. 
• A Lack of Choice. This challenge is perhaps especially relevant to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who often have their autonomy limited by parents, caretakers, guardians, and medical professionals. A lack of control over how you communicate and when may make the entire concept seem unapproachable.
• Differences in Social Skills or Communication. Not all individuals with disabilities communicate using the same methods. Overall, different preferences lead to gaps that may limit “normal” socialization opportunities. For instance, adults with disabilities are less likely to own a computer or smartphone and, therefore, less likely to want to engage in texting, calling, etc.
  

How to Navigate Social Interaction with Confidence

It’s critical to understand that socialization for adults with disabilities is unique to each individual. Some people may prefer to verbally communicate with loved ones in person, but others may find this sort of encounter overstimulating.

The following tips are general pointers that can help you explore social connections in a way that feels authentic to you. Being social may be a basic human need, but it doesn’t have to take a form that causes distress.

Create & Share Your Life Story

Research suggests that social and community participation for individuals with disabilities is more likely to happen when people are given autonomy over their involvement. What you choose to share with others is up to you, as is the way you go about sharing. 

Still, having a sense of who you are can help you start new conversations with ease. Processing your goals, likes, dreams, and other elements of your identity can help you feel more comfortable engaging with others. 

Take some time to brainstorm what makes you who you are. Use these details to help you introduce yourself to potential connections, and count on them to guide you toward communication styles that suit your needs.

Develop a Routine

Creating a sustainable and personally fulfilling routine is an important part of person-centered planning. Make social skills part of your routine to chip away at long-term goals. 

Things like chatting with a neighbor or reaching out to loved ones are simple activities that can produce significant results.

Get Involved

One of the best ways to enhance your social skills, whatever that means to you, is to put them to the test. Try new hobbies and engage with new people to dispel some of the nerves that might surround socialization.

You might, for example, join a local club or community group based around one of your interests. Special Olympics programs, skills training classes, and similar resources may also serve to connect you with people who have similar experiences.

Socialization Tips & Tricks for Adults with Disabilities

As you navigate what socialization means to you, keep these essential tips in mind.

• Ask Questions. When in doubt, ask away. Everyone enjoys talking about themselves! Questions also show a genuine interest in getting to know someone, naturally guiding your conversation toward a meaningful connection.
• Be Honest. When the going gets tough, your friends and loved ones can’t help unless they know you need it. Being open about emotions and challenges can help others understand your perspective.

Above all else, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Whether from loved ones, friends, or disability advocates like the team at NeuroNav, words of encouragement and access to resources can make a world of difference. 

Our mission at NeuroNav is to connect individuals in California living with disabilities to the information, activities, and people they need to pursue their goals. Learn more about our services or book a free consultation today to get started.