The author of the article is Oksana Aleksandrovna Morozova, crisis psychologist. Reprinting of materials is allowed with reference to the author https://www.b17.ru/morozova_oa/ Small talk is secular, not what is a non-binding short conversation when two or more people meet, an exchange of phrases on general topics. Topics for small talk are chosen that are neutral and socially acceptable for strangers. The need for such short conversations usually arises when there is a break in the activity for rest, meals (especially if these are dinners or buffets), when you are on standby and when you You are forced to briefly find yourself in a circle of unfamiliar people. The need to take part in a small talk often confuses not only people with autism spectrum disorder, but also neurotypical people, especially if they are introverts, and causes anxiety. But small talk is a polite conversation. It doesn't impose any obligations on you. As a result of this conversation, you rarely learn anything new. However, communication in this format is considered socially correct behavior. What topics are not covered in small talk? They do not discuss the political or economic situation in the country and in the world, issues of illness, attitudes towards religion, as well as any topics that require a long, detailed dialogue. People with Asperger's syndrome or those with autistic traits need to additionally learn the ability to conduct such small conversations. With regular training, negative experiences from having to take part in such conversations will arise less and less often, moreover, it is possible that after the conversation you may feel better than before, although you expected the opposite. To help cope with this social situation (polite conversation) , below I offer some of the most common typical phrases, hearing or using which you can recognize small talk and take part in it. Answers to such neutral phrases and questions can be short: “yes, you’re right”, “good”, “I thought about that too”, but you can add a little emotion “I’m glad”, “I like”, and also repeat in other words what was said by your interlocutor. About the weather (with colleagues, with strangers): - Today is a nice / rainy / sunny / cloudy day. - They say it will get colder / warmer by the weekend. In the office / conference (with colleagues): - Glad to see you. - The weekend is coming. Have you already planned how to spend them? - It's been a hard week. A lot of work. On the street / playground (with strangers): - A good day for a walk on the street, right? While waiting (with colleagues): - Somehow our colleagues are delayed. - I wish the bus would come soon. - You've been waiting for a long time ?- What's new with you? In a taxi: - Are there many orders today? When meeting the courier: - Thank you for your efficiency. Small talk culture is the art of being friendly and relaxed. And in some cases, it is also a component of a career. Small talk is applicable not only in personal meetings. When having a telephone conversation with friends (with whom you have not spoken for a long time) or to maintain contact through instant messengers or other social networks, you can use small talk - as the art of association, that is, moving from one topic (greetings) to another. Small talk is a tool with through which people with Asperger's syndrome can practice making social connections. GROUP OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH ASD (AUTISM))