Communication skills for autistic adults

Communication and interacting with others are key parts of how we connect with people, but for autistic adults, it can bring unique challenges and opportunities.

Whether they communicate verbally or nonverbally, autistic adults often have particular ways of engaging with others. Understanding these differences and adopting supportive strategies can make communication smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Understanding communication differences

Autistic adults may face different communication challenges that affect their interactions with others. These difficulties are not due to a lack of desire to communicate but rather differences in how they process and respond to social information.

Common communication traits

• Difficulty with small talk: Many autistic adults find casual conversation challenging, such as discussing the weather or daily activities.
• Monotone or non-verbal communication: Speech patterns can vary. Some may speak in a flat, monotone voice, while others may not speak at all. Non-verbal communication can include gestures, facial expressions, or using assistive technologies.
• Literal interpretation: Autistic individuals often take language literally. Slang phrases like "a piece of cake" or "barking up the wrong tree" can be confusing because they interpret them based on their literal meaning.
• Difficulty with body language and emotions: Reading and responding to body language and emotional cues can be tough. This can lead to misunderstandings during social interactions, as autistic adults may not pick up on subtle non-verbal signals.
• Repetitive language and special interests: Autistic individuals might use repetitive language or dominate conversations with topics they are passionate about. This can be seen as not engaging in two-way conversations, but it is usually a way to express interest and knowledge.
• Bluntness and directness: Communication can be very direct, which might come across as blunt or harsh to others. This directness is usually not meant to offend but is a straightforward communication style.
• Unique phrases and expressions: Many autistic adults develop their own set of phrases and expressions that may be unique to them, adding to their distinctive communication style.
• Challenges with eye contact: Maintaining eye contact can be difficult, which might be misinterpreted as a lack of interest or attentiveness.

Supporting communication for autistic adults

Many effective communication supports for autistic adults involve understanding their unique needs and adopting strategies to help. Practical approaches include the use of technology and structured communication strategies.

Communication aids, such as speech-generating devices, text-to-speech applications, and symbol-based communication apps, can be invaluable for non-verbal individuals or those who find spoken language challenging. Organisational apps like Monday.com and MeisterTask can help with task management and organisation, making planning and scheduling easier. Visual schedules, planners, and step-by-step instructions can help autistic adults manage their daily routines and complex tasks more effectively.

When communicating with autistic adults, using clear and straightforward language is important. Avoid idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech that can be misinterpreted. Breaking complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them easier to handle and complete. Providing information in written form can be particularly helpful, especially if the individual prefers to process information visually rather than audibly. Allowing extra processing time for autistic individuals to respond to questions can reduce anxiety and improve the quality of the interaction. It’s also important to understand and respect each person's preferred communication methods, whether they prefer verbal, typing, or using assistive devices.

Communication for nonverbal adults

Nonverbal communication doesn’t mean someone can't or doesn’t want to communicate. Many nonverbal autistic adults have vibrant inner lives and find different ways to express 

Communication helps us express our thoughts, feelings, and choices. For non-verbal autistic individuals, the inability to communicate through speech can lead to significant distress, which often shows up as agitation, destructive behaviour, and self-harm, which can affect the autistic person but also impact their family members, carers, and professionals involved in their recreational and occupational activities.

The challenges faced by non-verbal autistic individuals can lead to various issues, including exclusion from social and community events and burnout for those providing support. It is essential to understand their experiences and the reasons behind specific behaviours and emotions and develop personalised plans that improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Understanding their experience 

Understanding the experiences of non-verbal autistic individuals is crucial for creating effective support strategies. They often rely on other ways to communicate their needs and emotions. Behavioural reactions such as agitation, destruction, and self-harm can be viewed as forms of communication, indicating distress or unmet needs.

Recognising that each non-verbal autistic individual is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and preferences, is key to providing better support and achieving improved outcomes.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems

For many non-verbal autistic individuals, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems are invaluable for expressing their thoughts and needs. AAC systems include various methods that supplement or replace speech, such as:

• Communication boards: Boards that display pictures, symbols, or words that individuals can point to to communicate. They can be customised to include specific items or concepts relevant to the individual's life.
• Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): Electronic devices that produce spoken language when users select symbols or type words. These devices can be tailored to the individual's communication needs and preferences.
• Sign language: Learning and using sign language can be an effective way for non-verbal individuals to communicate. It provides a visual and kinaesthetic form of communication that can be easier for some individuals to learn and use.
• Communication apps: Various apps designed for tablets and smartphones can facilitate communication by providing digital versions of communication boards and SGDs. These apps are useful due to their portability and ease of customisation.
• Written communication: Writing can be preferred for many non-verbal autistic adults. Providing opportunities for written expression can enable them to share their thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Developing new abilities and coping mechanisms

Adapting to changes in routines and expectations, managing sensory sensitivities, and engaging in social interactions are all areas where non-verbal autistic individuals may need additional support. Here are some strategies to help develop new abilities and coping mechanisms:

• ‍Routine and predictability: Establishing clear and predictable routines can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Visual schedules and timers can help non-verbal individuals understand and anticipate changes in their day.‍
• Sensory-friendly environments: Creating environments that accommodate sensory sensitivities can help reduce distress. This might include using noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces, and adjusting lighting and textures.‍
• Social stories: Social stories are short, descriptive narratives that explain social situations and expectations. By providing clear and concrete examples, social stories can help non-verbal individuals understand and navigate social interactions.‍
• Relaxation techniques: Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help non-verbal individuals manage stress and regulate their emotions.

Expressing and regulating intense emotions

Non-verbal autistic individuals may experience intense emotions but struggle to express and regulate them. Providing some tools and strategies to help manage these emotions is important:

• Emotion regulation skills: Teaching skills such as identifying emotions, recognising triggers, and using coping strategies can empower individuals to manage their emotions more safely.
• Visual emotion charts: Visual charts showing different emotions can be a great way for individuals to express their feelings. They can also kickstart conversations about emotions and help develop the right responses.
• Safe outlets for expression: Providing safe outlets for expressing emotions, such as physical activities, art, or music, can help individuals release and process their feelings.
• Supportive relationships: Building strong, supportive relationships with family members, carers, and professionals can provide a sense of security and understanding for emotional expression and regulation.

Improving the quality of life and wellbeing of non-verbal autistic individuals requires a comprehensive and personalised approach. We can create a supportive and inclusive environment by understanding their unique experiences, implementing practical strategies to encourage speech, using AAC systems, developing new abilities and coping mechanisms, and providing tools for emotional expression and regulation. Through continued collaboration and innovation, we can help non-verbal autistic individuals lead fulfilling lives, participate in their communities, and achieve their full potential.