This resource is designed for individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences. It breaks workplace small talk down into clear, learnable stages — starting a conversation, keeping it going, choosing safe topics, and ending it smoothly — using specific, observable language rather than vague social advice. It also explains why small talk can be harder for individuals with ASD, alongside reassurance that it’s a common struggle for most people. It can be completed independently or with guidance from a tutor, parent, or support worker.

What is covered:

• Introduction, The Universal Struggle, and Why This Can Be Harder for Individuals with ASD — grounding context before the skill-building sections
• Section 1 — Starting a Conversation: example opening lines grouped by situation (the day/environment, shared activities, work tasks), with tick boxes and space to add their own
• Section 2 — Keeping the Conversation Going: a worked example plus guided practice predicting how a conversation partner might respond
• Section 3 — Choosing Safe Topics: a safe vs. best-avoided topics table, with the reasoning behind each explained
• Section 4 — Ending the Conversation: how to give a clear closing signal, and how to recognise when the other person is signalling they’re ready to finish
• Section 6 — Personal Reflection: guided reflection questions on which parts of small talk feel hardest
• An Instructor Review page for comments

Suitable for:

• Individuals with ASD and those with social communication differences aged 16+
• 1:1 sessions, small group work, or independent study
• SEN specialists, therapists, tutors, support workers, and parents

This resource is available in three formats:
Fillable PDF — interactive, click-to-type text boxes and checkboxes, standard writing space
Digital Extended Response PDF — the same interactive fillable format, with larger text boxes for students who prefer more room to write
Printable PDF — a print-and-write version with larger handwriting space throughout

Note: For the best experience with the fillable formats, download the file rather than viewing it in a browser or Google Drive preview, as fillable fields won’t work in preview mode.

All content uses clear, literal, and neutral language throughout. Resources are universally applicable, with no political, ideological, or religious content.

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