Faced with a blind spot that is still largely underestimated – the social skills of adults with autism spectrum disorder – this experimental method, based on authentic videos, opens a new path. Between hope and caution, she outlines another way of providing support.
Learning to interact: a challenge that is still largely invisible
Autism, when it concerns adults, often comes up against a form of invisibility. Less accompanied than in childhood, less understood too. And above all, faced with an implicit expectation: that of knowing how to interact “like the others”.
However, this skill — entering a conversation, speaking, interpreting silences or gestures — remains a major challenge for many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A challenge that is still too little explored.
For Virginie André, professor of language sciences at the University of Lorraine and expert at Unys, the issue is nevertheless central. Better understanding social interactions allows autistic adults to find their place, to gain autonomy, but also confidence.
But how do we teach what seems so intuitive to others?
Immerse yourself in the reality of exchanges to decipher their codes
The researcher’s response comes down to a strong idea: observing reality. Not idealized situations, but exchanges as they unfold, with their hesitations, their unforeseen circumstances, their complexity.
Its method is based on the analysis of so-called “authentic” videos. Unlike traditional teaching materials, these sequences are neither written in advance nor designed to teach.
“They show real exchanges, with their share of the unexpected, hesitations or gestures accompanying the words, all valuable elements for understanding the complexity of human interactions..
In these filmed conversations, several interlocutors interact. They sometimes interrupt each other, bounce back, express disagreement, tell an anecdote. So many micro-events which, put end to end, make up the richness — and the difficulty — of social exchange.
“The idea is also to show real conversations with more than 2 speakers, to observe how each person speaks, expresses their point of view or recounts an experience..
Then comes the time for analysis. Like a sports slow motion, the interactions are replayed and dissected. We linger on a look, an intonation, a gesture. We try to understand what is usually missed. From this meticulous work two types of tools were born: sheets intended for health professionals, and interactive videos designed for autistic adults themselves. Fifteen videos are already being tested.
“The first feedback is very encouraging. We are continuing the tests with the aim of disseminating them more widely and further enriching this approach.” declares Virginie André.
A promise, still under construction. But which already gives rise to hope.
Changing your outlook: an essential condition for moving forward
Beyond the method, it is a change of perspective that the researcher defends. Because supporting autistic adults is not limited to developing tools. This also involves transforming representations.
Autism is often seen through the prism of childhood. As adults, those affected find themselves faced with different expectations — and sometimes less patience, less understanding.
Faced with the difficulties of a student, Virginie André thus initiated awareness days within the university. Objective: to inform teachers, staff and students about the realities of autism in adulthood. Because behind sometimes confusing behaviors, there are invisible logics, strategies, efforts. Learn to interact, yes. But also learn to welcome these differences.
In this dual approach — equipping autistic people and raising awareness in their environment — a more global, fairer approach is emerging. A way of reminding us that inclusion does not only depend on those who must adapt, but also on those around them.
At a time when society is seeking to better integrate singularities, this research opens up a valuable avenue: what if understanding others first involves really looking at them?