Introduction: Conversations with adults who have autism can be challenging, and the right conversation starter can help create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. Here are 20 ideas for conversation starters that could start off your conversations with adults with autism.
1. What are your favorite activities? Short explanation: Ask the person what their favorite activities are, to get a sense of what type of activities they like or dislike, and to start a conversation about something of interest to them.
2. What kind of music do you like? Short explanation: Asking about music can be both interesting and provide a way to connect with each other’s musical preferences.
3. Do you like books? Short explanation: It can often be a good conversation starter to ask someone what kind of books they like, as the conversation can lead to deeper conversation about favorite authors and genres.
4. What type of movies do you enjoy? Short explanation: Asking about movie preferences can be a great way to start a conversation, and can also provide some insight into someone’s interests.
5. What was your favorite childhood activity? Short explanation: Asking someone to recount their favorite childhood activities can be a great way to start a conversation, as it often brings back fond memories.
6. What are some of your hobbies? Short explanation: Asking someone about their hobbies and what they enjoy doing in their free time can help reveal their interests, and provide insights into conversations to follow.
7. Do you have any pets? Short explanation: Whether the person has own pets or not, talking about pets can be a great conversation starter and provide some common ground.
8. What do you like about your job? Short explanation: Asking someone to discuss their job can provide insight into their daily life, and help you get to know them better.
9. What did you do last weekend? Short explanation: Asking about weekend activities can help better understand how the person spends their leisure time, and may lead to further conversations about hobbies and interests.
10. Do you have any siblings? Short explanation: Asking about siblings can be a great way to start off a conversation as it can lead to discussion about other family members, which can often be a source of comfort and familiarity.
11. What type of food do you like? Short explanation: Asking someone about their favorite foods can help understand more about their palate and provide a good starting point for further discussions.
12. How did you meet your best friend? Short explanation: Asking someone to tell a story further develops the relationship, and helps create a more relaxed atmosphere.
13. What do you like most about living in your city? Short explanation: Asking someone who their home city can reveal much about their situation, and also provides an opportunity to bond over shared experiences or memories.
14. Have you ever traveled anywhere? Short explanation: Asking someone about their travels can provide interesting conversation topics, and can also help reveal how well-traveled they may be.
15. Do you have any questions about me? Short explanation: Asking a person if they have any questions about you can be an effective way to start a conversation as it puts the focus on the other person and makes them feel more comfortable.
16. Are there any sports you like watching? Short explanation: Asking someone what type of sports they like watching can provide insight into the person’s interests or hobbies, and can also lead to further conversations.
17. Do you like going to concerts? Short explanation: Asking someone about their concert-going experiences can be a great conversation starter and provide insight into their passion for music.
18. Are there any TV shows you like? Short explanation: Asking someone about their favorite TV shows can be a great conversation starter, and can also help build a connection between the two of you.
19. What do you like most about your friends and family? Short explanation: Asking someone to reflect on what they like most about their friends and family can be a great thing to talk about and can also be an effective way to break the ice.
20. Have you ever been to any events or exhibitions? Short explanation: Asking someone to talk about exhibitions or events they’ve been to can provide interesting and engaging topics to discuss, as well as opportunities to bond over shared experiences.