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There can be differences in communication between people with Autism (ASD) and neurotypical people.  Unfortunately these differences can cause misunderstandings and it is human nature to distrust those who react differently.

According to a study 7% of communication is verbal, 38% Tone of voice and 55% body language.  Language is a 2 way process.  Neurotypical people are much more able to understand and respond in the assumed manner than Autistic people.  For autistic people this can be overwhelming or we may simply be blind to it.  This can leave us open to bullying at school (75% according to the National Austic Society).  These effects can leave us open to bullying at work.  Only 16% of autistic people are in work according to the National Autistic Society and more want to be.  I am one of many bullied at work, as a result of which I received my diagnosis.

So how do we receive and understand communication differently?  I shall explain below and then why this is the case.

Verbal

Autistic people can take words literally, not understand different uses, affecting communication.  Reading between the lines can be challenging or just not seen.  Also slang may not be understood.  For example ‘that food was bang on’.  Where’s the hammer? What’s it got to do with what the food?  Our responses may also be seen as blunt or rude, unintended.

Tone of voice

A lot is transmitted through a tone used, beyond the words used.  Just try this exercise, say the word ‘Great’ in as many ways as you can, giving different meanings.  These could include – positive, bored, sarcastic and possibly other.  This may not be recognised and therefore be interpreted and responsded to incorrectly.

This is not helped by unusual tones of voice common to many autistic people, including sing song, flatter and stop/start when processing information and talking.  This may give the impression of lack of enthusiam, which is all too often incorrect.

Body Language

This includes posture, arm movement, facial expression, all learnt from babyhood.  Mother smiles at baby, baby smiles back, naturally.  But mother smiles at autistic baby, autistic baby looks back, not understanding what is meant by the smile?  This pattern of behaviour continues beyond babyhood, into childhood and beyond.

But why is this I can hear you asking, why the problems?

Autistic people people cannot see it, or are overwhelmed, or simply baffled.  What does these expressions of communication mean (if they have been seen at all), what is the correct reaction?  Responses can be silence, trying to process, failing at times, or incorrect, embarassing, stressful.

It can feel like living as a foreigner in or own land, trying to see, recognise and respond to 3 forms of communication, correctly, in the correct time.  Consciously.  Try this exercise if you like, try doing all the above, consciously, for 10 minutes.  It can be tiring.  Watch people’s expresssion as you make mistakes, see how you feel.

Welcome to my world.  Think how it affects our confidence.  Try to understand this and communication can improve.

I hope this has given you an insight into my autistic world, and an understanding of our lives.  Please give feedback if you would like futher information.