Oversharing , or sharing too much personal information, can be a significant challenge, especially for children with autism. This behavior is often driven by characteristics associated with the disorder, such as a lack of recognition of social norms and a desire for connection. Below, I summarize the main problems that arise from oversharing in children with autism and how to address them effectively.
Main problems associated with oversharing:
Oversharing personal information can have serious consequences for autistic children, making them targets of bullying and social exclusion. By revealing intimate details, they risk having this information used against them by peers, resulting in isolation. In addition, their difficulty in understanding what is appropriate to share can lead them to uncomfortable situations where they do not recognize the boundaries between what should be kept private and what is okay to share.
This lack of discernment can make it difficult to form friendships, as excessive recounting of personal experiences can make potential friends feel uncomfortable, making it harder to establish healthy bonds. Furthermore, exposing personal information makes them vulnerable to dangers, such as exploitation or manipulation by strangers.
Anxiety and stress are also significant consequences of this behavior, as worrying about how others will react to what they share can negatively affect a child’s emotional well-being. Coupled with this are difficulties in processing other people’s reactions, which can lead to confusion and frustration, as many autistic children have difficulty interpreting these social cues.
Finally, how others perceive these children, influenced by the information they share, can impact their self-image and self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Sharing sensitive details can also fuel stigmas associated with autism, resulting in misinformation and prejudice. Therefore, fostering a deeper understanding of privacy norms and personal boundaries is critical to helping these children navigate their social interactions more safely and confidently.
Roots of Oversharing
A lack of recognition of social norms, a search for emotional connection, and a tendency to interpret communication literally all contribute to this practice. Emotional transparency and honesty are often traits that autistic people value, but can be misinterpreted by others.
Strategies to Address Oversharing
To minimize the negative impacts of oversharing , it is essential to implement privacy education strategies. One key point is education and support, where it is crucial to guide children on social norms, clarifying what is considered appropriate to share in different contexts. In addition, promoting open conversations is equally important. Creating a safe environment to discuss privacy issues helps both the autistic child and those around them to better understand related behaviors. Finally, providing clear and concrete examples of what is considered oversharing in everyday life can be an effective way to educate children on this topic.
Oversharing is a behavior that, while often well-intentioned, can have serious repercussions for autistic children. By providing appropriate education and support, we can help these children develop a clearer understanding of personal boundaries and social norms, facilitating healthier and safer interactions.
References:
Calum, Hartley., Sophie, Fisher. (2018). 1. Do Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Share Fairly and Reciprocally. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, doi: 10.1007/S10803-018-3528-7
Sinéad, L., Mullally., Andrew, Grant, Wood., Cherice, Chantelle, Edwards., Sophie, E., Connolly., Hannah, Constable., Stuart, Watson., Jacqui, Rodgers., Kieran, Rose., NM, King. (2024). 2. Autistic voice: Sharing autistic children’s experiences and insights. doi: 10.1101/2024.07.22.24310796
