• ​Small talk is hard – neurodivergent or not. Try to find common grounds with your colleagues, particularly those who are struggling to come out of their shell. Learn about their interests, hobbies, and passions. 

​

• People have different social communication norms, such as being more direct, introverted, gaze avoidance, or having a more niche sense of humour. Get to know how people tick, rather than making assumptions about ‘what they meant’ by an interaction. 

​

• Don’t mistake an avoidance of socialising for disinterest in work, or career progression. Too often, talented people are overlooked for the ‘loudest’ in the room. 

​

• Planned event? Send information about the location, food and drink options, and start and finish times to participants in advance, to allow everyone to be prepared and avoid unexpected occurrences or anxiety.  

​

• Do not make social events compulsory. It should be available – not required.

​

• Consider the accessibility of a location before booking it for a social gathering. 

​

• Occasionally, consider social hang-outs that don’t take place in a loud and overstimulating environment. How about drinks in the office/on set? A games night? 

​

• Be conscious of sensory sensitivities – gatherings can take a few days to decompress. Allow this. 

​

• As always: ask people their preferences when planning a social meet up. 

​

• Don’t cancel your parties or pub visits – just allow people to engage with them on their own terms, consider quiet breakout spaces at large gatherings, don’t judge them for their level of participation and, occasionally, plan smaller group gatherings or remotely-accessed events, like quizzes.