This is the second module in the online essentials to understanding Autism available at the National Autistic Society (NAS).

The learning Aims: for the second module.

• Describe and discuss language and communication use and reflect on your own communication style.
• Understand variations in the use of language and communication in autism.
• Identify factors that can impact on (successful) communication.
• Recognise and respond to the natural communication preferences of people on the autistic spectrum.

Again there are a comprehensive online set of resources to back up learning that are interactive, with references and tools to navigated the sections. All of the resources must be read and utilised to complete the module and unlock the final assessment. The post assessment pass mark is 80%.

There are 4 sections to this module too as follows:

1. Understanding communication-this is about why we are motivated to communicate; how we do this; the processes for neurotypical people and the key issues for autistic people. When I reflected on my communication I realised this was not just verbal it was non-verbal too. I used gestures body language, facial expressions, pitch and tone and eye contact. More importantly it may involve physical contact such as a pat or hug. This can all be misunderstood and cause communication breakdown; difficulty in empathising each-others perspectives; resulting in frustration, stress and anxiety. This can cause feelings of isolation and exclusion for the AS person. Their language is more literal, not having double meanings and slang. It important to remember communication is a two way process, so we need to be on the same “Wave Length” so to speak (jargon), being aware of our non-verbal clues, innovations and inflections on our voices.
2. Autism and preferred communication styles- verbal communication is only a small part of how we communicate, which can be difficult for AS people as they may miss our intention. However, we may miss their clues too, causing confusion if we do not clarify reciprocation. Being clear, concise and checking understanding, until we understand their styles helps. Also, being aware that some AS people are more expressive and some are more receptive or may appear to be. However, building confidence and engaging in their interests can help them communicate. Remembering laughter can be a sign of anxiety and continual talking can be because they overwhelmed by emotions. However, care must be taken not to overlook the more passive women, girls and men who mask their AS.
3. Barriers to successful Communication- reducing the barriers to communication can help stop metldown or shutdown, due to stress and anxiety caused by miscommunication. Do not allow the AS person to become too stressed or anxious. Get to know them and the signs that they are becoming overwhelmed. Find strategies to help, like a quiet place, time alone to recover, reduced sensory input and possibly a card, badge , emoticons characters system and the app Brain in Hand. There are two theories about AS that are at play here the “Double Empathy” problem and “Theory of Mind” (Milton 2012), which basically concern neurotyplicals understanding the AS persons perspective and them understanding us.
4. Responding to communication preferences- this section is about communication preferences for autistic people. Their individual styles and preferences; building relationships trust and rapport; communication aids and approaches and thinking about my own communicaiton styles. Hence, reducing barries to communication in all areas of their lives. Remembering that stressful situations and sensory sensetivities can alter their preferences. we communicated in various ways verbaly (pace, tone and pitch), non-verbal (gesters, body language and facial expressions), physical, pictures and symblos; and with text and emojis via digital mulitmodal devices. Digital devices can help autistic people by using Apps and speak to text and thus help them concentrate on the task by reduceing the need to process too much informaiton at once. Therfore, sharing interests, using visual aids and digital methods, whilst making sure I give clear consise information and then checking understanding whilst allowing time to process this in a suitable environment is key to supporting an autistic person.

References

Milton (2012) On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’, Disability & Society, 27:6, 883-887, DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2012.710008

Ask Autism (2019) Autism and Communication. NAS online at Autism Online Training, Accessed 28-5-19