Help Autism and Communication
Social communication
Autism impacts how a person communicates with and relates to others. Autistic social communication and social interaction styles are different from those used by non-autistic people or neurotypical (NT) people. Within the autistic community, every individual also has their own communication and interaction style. Up to 30% of autistic people use limited or no speech, either completely, temporarily or in certain contexts (UK Parliament Post, 2020)
Social interaction
Autistic people can find it easier to interact socially with other autistic people, rather than interacting with neurotypicals (Crompton, 2020). This is due to differences in social interaction styles. Breakdowns in interaction between autistic individuals and neurotypicals can impact getting on with each other and friendships. Autistic friendships are often built around shared interests and interaction styles, rather than generic small talk!
Some autistic individuals prefer to spend time in their own company, or to interact in alternative ways such as through social media or online gaming. These channels may be not as intense as face-to-face interaction, which can be very tiring and result in a “social hangover”.
You can read more about social communication and play characteristics in neurodivergent individuals here
There is no ‘right’ way to communicate or interact with others, this will look different in everyone. Communication and interaction should be adapted to different individuals, rather than encouraging individuals to conform to neurotypical communication ‘norms’.
Messages such as ‘you don’t talk properly’, or ‘you talk too much’ can be really damaging to self-esteem, especially when heard many times, and can lead to masking and anxiety.
It is important that we celebrate and promote true acceptance of neurodivergent communication styles. These differences bring about new and positive ways of thinking and interacting – diversity is a positive thing for everyone!
Autistic communication styles
Below are descriptions of some typical autistic communication styles:
When autistic people communicate using spoken language, these are some of the possible differences:-
- Repeating words or phrases they hear or have heard (this is called echolalia). This can be part of being a gestalt language processor, rather than an analytical language processor. These repetitions may be used to communicate, soothe or during play.
- Using different words or phrases compared to their neurotypical peers, e.g. using very rich and advanced or formal vocabulary, particularly about their areas of interests.
- Using words and phrases that seem ‘borrowed’ or ‘lifted’ from somewhere else, e.g. a teacher, parent, TV programme or film, such as ‘‘my suspicion is…” or “we never set eyes on each other”. This is sometimes called ‘stereotyped language’.
- Using made-up words or using words in a different way to what is typically used.
- Conversational styles may differ, such as giving lots of detailed information about an area of interest and having long conversation turns, or going off on tangents easily, changing the subject quickly.
- Using particularly neutral or unusual speech intonation, or speed of talking. This may include using a small range of vocal intonation or talking particularly fast or slow.
- Taking things literally – abstract language such as jokes, sarcasm and metaphors can be challenging for autistic individuals to understand and use. Phrases such as ‘give me a hand’, ‘keep an eye on it’ and ‘wait a second’ can be misunderstood and taken very literally.
- Needing longer to process information or answer questions verbally.
- Different ways of understanding and using non-verbal communication, such as facial expression, gesture and tone of voice. This may include a more neutral or smaller range of these communication modes or interpreting these differently to others.
Some autistic people, as well as many other individuals, will communicate using pictures, symbols, or electronic means such as texting, emailing, or using a communication aid.
This is called alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Some people may use these forms of communication all the time, or some of the time.
Some autistic individuals use no, or very limited spoken language to communicate. These individuals can be described as ‘non-speaking’.
This does not necessarily mean that they cannot understand spoken language, although this may be true for some. Non-speaking individuals may not use many spoken words but they may still use a wide range of verbal communication, i.e. laughing, vocalising and humming.
15 – 30% non-speaking autistic individuals also have a learning disability or ‘global developmental delay’. Autistic children or individuals may also learn language later than their neurotypical peers.
Sensory differences, interactional differences and the individual’s environment can also impact on speaking ability. A complex combination of any or all of these is also possible.
Some neurodivergent individuals may become non-speaking for limited periods of time. This may be due to overwhelm, anxiety or tiredness. They will communicate verbally again when they are able to.
Situational mutism (also known as selective mutism) is the term used to refer to the anxiety disorder affecting people who can speak but find themselves unable to in certain situations. Find out more on situation mutism and autism on the Literally Ausome website (link below).
Anecdotally the number of autistic people experiencing this may be even higher than previously thought. Some people use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) as a back-up form of communication.
Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behaviour, involves the repetitive performance of certain sensory-seeking actions or vocalisations. Stimming is thought to fulfil a variety of functions including calming, expressions of feelings and communication. Stimming can happen to soothe the body when in distress/dysregulated, and it can also happen when young people are joyful or really excited too.
Stimming can also be seen as a form of communication. Stimming may also be communicating some distress, discomfort or need. Each individual’s actions or stimming and what it means will be unique to them.
*Some stims can be a form of self-injurious behaviour, which can be harmful e.g., chewing inside of cheeks, hair pulling. Although these stims support self-regulation, they are also causing harm to yourself. Where possible, alternative non-harmful stims should be supported.
Masking is when an individual changes the way they act in order to ‘fit in’ and seem more neurotypical. This is a coping strategy that may be conscious or unconscious.
Autistic people can appear very sociable but will often need “downtime” after a social occasion to recuperate. Lots of autistic people use masking behaviours. However, they may choose to be less interactive when they feel more comfortable, such as, when they are at home.
Masking is exhausting – try pretending you are someone else for a day! High levels of masking can lead to poor emotional wellbeing and mental health.
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