Watch What You Say: Words Hurt

 

How many times have you said something before you could stop yourself from saying it?  Unfortunately, this is a struggle that a lot of people with autism (and AuDHD) have. In the DSM-5TR, it lists the two domains in the autism diagnostic criteria: social communication challenges & restrictive repetitive behaviors and interests.  Today, I am going to discuss the social communication challenges that arise in autistic individuals and how people on the autism spectrum may struggle with thinking before they speak.

The DSM-5-TR shares the following criteria on social communication challenges in autism:

  • Deficits in using communication for social purposes, such as greeting and sharing information, in a manner that is appropriate for the social context.
  • Impairment of the ability to change communication to match context or the needs of the listener, such as speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground, talking differently to a child than to an adult, and avoiding use of overly formal language.
  • Difficulties following rules for conversation and storytelling, such as taking turns in conversation, rephrasing when misunderstood, and knowing how to use verbal and nonverbal signals to regulate interaction.
  • Difficulties understanding what is not explicitly stated (e.g., making inferences) and nonliteral or ambiguous meanings of language (e.g., idioms, humor, metaphors, multiple meanings that depend on the context for interpretation).
It can be hard to watch what you say, especially when you struggle with communicating with others.  The thing is, sometimes when you're on the autism spectrum, you have something you want to contribute to a conversation.  The problem is sometimes, words can hurt....even if it's the truth!  Some cultures, especially in the USA, get offended when people are too blunt. This can be a struggle for those on the spectrum to see and understand.  If you want to make friends, you have to work on these skills.  How?  Attending and applying what you learn in therapy and maybe practicing skills like controlling what you say.  If you offend someone, one of the best things I've learned is IMMEDIATELY apologizing.  
If you're going to say something, be careful what you say.  Being in the autism community for 2-3 years now, I've experienced people saying things they don't mean to my face.  It's hard sometimes to control yourself.  Like I said, apologizing and advocating can go a long way.  Thinking before speaking might not come naturally to all of us, but with support, practice, and self-awareness, we can grow these skills while staying true to who we are.  Remember: kindness goes a long way! The words you say matter and have an impact on others.

Happy Sunday!!!



If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  


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