Communicate more effectively with the autistic people in your life
For most neurotypical people, asking someone for help directly is as uncomfortable to them as overhead lights and sudden, loud noises are to us. It’s painful.
It’s ingrained into the very fiber of their being that to be direct is to be rude and unempathetic, so they make these statements hoping the hidden request will be fulfilled.
Autistic Characteristics / Better Communication / Dating & Relationships / Parent & Child Communication / Trauma & PTSD
by jaimeaheidel · Published September 22, 2026
Autistic people are literal and straightforward in their approach to language and communication. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say, so autistic people often don’t realize others don’t communicate like this.
Autistic Characteristics / Better Communication / Business & Employment / Common Misconceptions / Dating & Relationships / Resources
by jaimeaheidel · Published September 16, 2026
We also offer insightful tips to teach you how to talk to your autistic loved one in a way they understand, which helps ease frustration on both sides.
Neurotypical people are far less concerned with the accuracy of a story than they are relaying their feelings and experiencing connection with others. Their goal is acknowledgement and camaraderie, not perfection.
Autistic Characteristics / Common Misconceptions / Dating & Relationships / Trauma & PTSD
by jaimeaheidel · Published September 8, 2026
During the conversation, the autistic person will focus on your words and take them literally; all other communication will be missed.
Neurotypical people often come into the argument as though the autistic person knows full well what they’ve done. The autistic person, however, is completely taken aback that they’re being accused of something.
When you give your autistic employee a new assignment, instead of saying “do this” as if they already have all of the information, sit with them and elaborate on your expectations.
If you are communicating distress in mostly nonverbal ways, there is a real chance we do not understand that anything serious is wrong yet.
Jaime A. Heidel – The Articulate Autistic
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