How does autism affect the perception of first impressions in forming new friendships?
Building new friendships often begins with first impressions, but autistic people frequently describe these early moments as more effortful, unpredictable or misunderstood. According to NICE guidance, autism involves differences in social communication and interaction that can affect how relationships start and develop, especially when cues are fast, subtle or ambiguous. Evidence also shows that many autistic people want meaningful friendships, even when the process feels overwhelming.
Differences in how first impressions are expressed and interpreted
Research shows that autistic people may express themselves differently through eye contact, facial expression, tone of voice, or timing. NHS clinicians note that many people find relationships exhausting because so much depends on non-verbal signals and shifting social norms. These communication differences can influence how others perceive confidence, warmth, or approachability in the first few seconds of meeting.
A major meta-analysis found that non-autistic observers often form less favourable first impressions of autistic people when they only see quick “thin slices” of behaviour, such as brief video clips or short interactions. Researchers noted that it is the social presentation style, not the content of what is said; that drives these early judgments. This can make first encounters less reflective of the autistic person’s genuine personality or intentions.
Autistic perception of others
Studies suggest that autistic adults often form impressions of other people in similar ways to non-autistic adults, needing comparable amounts of information to make basic judgements. This was highlighted in a recent impression formation study, which found that autistic adults assess others’ traits using similar cognitive processes. Many autistic adults also report worrying intensely about how they come across, particularly if they struggle to read facial expressions or tone now, as described in a qualitative study on social anxiety.
The role of masking and social anxiety
Systematic reviews show that many autistic people use “masking” or camouflaging to manage first impressions, altering eye contact, rehearsing phrases or copying social norms. This has been documented in the systematic review of camouflaging and further explored in studies of social camouflaging. While masking can help initial interactions feel smoother, it often comes with high emotional and cognitive costs and may make forming authentic friendships more difficult over time.
Anxiety also plays a major part. Autistica notes that fear of judgement or past misunderstandings can make first meetings feel riskier and lead to avoiding new social opportunities. Sensory overwhelms such as noise or bright lighting can add extra stress, which NHS England guidance highlights as a factor affecting communication during early interactions.
What helps
Many autistic adults build strong, fulfilling friendships when environments are predictable, low-pressure, and based on shared interests. The National Autistic Society highlights that clarity, slower pacing, and interest-based activities can make forming friendships more comfortable. Supportive, neurodiversity-affirming contexts can significantly reduce barriers created by quick first impressions.
Takeaway
Autism can influence both sides of first impressions, how an autistic person is perceived, and how they perceive others. Differences in communication and sensory processing can make early interactions feel harder, but many autistic people are highly motivated for connection. With understanding, clear communication and environments that reduce sensory and social pressure, first meetings can become more authentic and the foundation for genuinely supportive friendships.
