How to Communicate Better with Autistic Individuals鈥擜nd Why It Matters
In both our personal and professional lives, we鈥檝e likely encountered challenges when working alongside others due to differences in communication style and expectations. However, when working with autistic individuals, these challenges can become more complex. But with openness, patience, and a willingness to adapt, we can all learn to collaborate more effectively.
Understanding Communication Differences
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of characteristics, and its markers may be displayed differently depending on each individual. Common traits shared by autistic individuals include differences in communication and social interactions.
鈥淔or autistic individuals, social interactions can be very stressful,鈥 says Karina Rasmussen, Director of Outpatient Clinics at Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah.
The conventional nuances of social interaction, such as nonverbal cues (personal space, body language, etc.) and unspoken rules (conversational pacing, avoiding interrupting, etc.), may be clear for a neurotypical person but less intuitive for an autistic person.
鈥淭he social stakes of being misunderstood, isolated, or even rejected are often too high, which can make communication feel impossible,鈥 Rasmussen explains.
Differences in communication between autistic and neurotypical people can result in misinterpretation of both the message and the intention behind it. If not addressed, the impact of these mishaps ranges from minor to very significant. Miscommunication could mean missed chances for social connection, unnecessarily stressful interactions, or even engagement in risky situations.
For many autistic people, these negative outcomes occur repeatedly. When anyone鈥攁utistic or not鈥攈as repeated negative experiences while communicating with others, reaching out for help or accepting help becomes reasonably difficult.
According to Rasmussen, who works closely with autistic patients as leader of the Neurobehavior HOME Program at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, fostering understanding, patience, and accommodation in social settings is crucial.
鈥淲e should recognize that autistic individuals鈥 communication style鈥攋ust like everyone else鈥檚鈥攊s different,鈥 she says.
Communication Tips When Helping Autistic People
1. Ask them!
Respect their expertise. Everyone is the expert on their own needs. A simple, supportive question like 鈥淚 want to help you if I can. What can I do?鈥 can go a long way.
Offer choices. Stress can make it hard to identify or communicate needs. If someone isn鈥檛 sure what they need, try presenting a few options. Your idea of the 鈥渂est鈥 solution might not be theirs. Be present, offer support, and let them guide the way.
2. Adjust sensory input
Our bodies process information through all five senses. For some, reducing sensory input (like dimming lights or lowering noise) helps. For others, increased input (like a weighted blanket or calming music) may be grounding. Ask what makes them feels best.
3. Understand that help may not be wanted or needed
Always offer support in a way that respects autonomy. Make help optional and minimally intrusive.
4. 聽 Know that communication goes both ways
If you feel someone isn鈥檛 understanding you, remember that you might not be fully understanding them either. Be patient, listen actively, and stay open to different communication styles.
5. Stay flexible and support transitions
Autistic individuals may prefer to do things their own way and on their own timeline. Creating alternate pathways to navigate tasks鈥攅specially in social situations鈥攐ften results in better engagement.
The Power of Technology
Because in-person interactions can sometimes feel overwhelming, many autistic individuals are drawn to technology as a more comfortable way to connect. For example, instant messaging may be preferred over face-to-face conversation, where the social risk is higher. Similarly, school-aged children typically engage with peers more when they are allowed to participate virtually in online games, group work, or through Google docs.
When used thoughtfully, technology can:
- Be a powerful bridge
- Encourage engagement
- Support communication
- Create opportunities for instruction, collaboration, and help-seeking behaviors
When we take the time to understand and honor neurodiverse ways of interacting, we build more inclusive, respectful, and effective relationships. Whether you鈥檙e a teacher, caregiver, coworker, or friend, your effort to adapt can make a meaningful difference.
