Tag Archives: misunderstanding

Editorial

The Spoken Word

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The Complexity of Thought

For an autistic individual, thoughts can be multidimensional, co-occurring like floors in a building, each with its unique pattern and pace. When multiple “floors” are active, the mental process becomes incredibly complex, akin to an intricate dance of ideas, each moving to its rhythm. This rich internal landscape often involves dissecting concepts to find underlying patterns or connections at speeds that outpace the regular flow of conversation. The intensity and speed at which these thoughts develop can make slowing down to communicate verbally a strenuous, sometimes unfeasible task.

Moreover, the precision of language often falls short. Words can seem too rigid or blunt to encapsulate the full spectrum of an autistic person’s feelings or observations. Emotions might be felt physically; thoughts often manifest as pictures rather than words. In such instances, traditional language isn’t just inadequate—it feels cumbersome, an unnecessary filter imposed by a world that operates differently.

The Disconnection from Social Dependencies

Unlike non-autistic thinking, which relies heavily on social cues and shared environmental contexts, autistic thinking can be deeply introspective and original, not necessarily hinged on the social fabric. This independence from social constructs can make autistic thoughts seem alien to non-autistic individuals. For example, where a non-autistic person might enjoy a forest scene, an autistic individual might experience it on multiple sensory levels simultaneously, appreciating nuances and stimuli that are invisible to others.

The Unspoken Beauty of the World

Sometimes, the beauty and depth perceived by an autistic individual are too profound for words. The unfiltered sensory input from nature can be overwhelmingly beautiful, perceived with an intensity that words cannot convey. The magic of experiencing the world without sensory filters is a unique aspect of autism that many non-autistics may find challenging to conceptualize.

The Burden of Misunderstanding

A significant barrier to communication for many individuals with autism is the frequent misunderstanding of their thoughts and intentions. When asked, “What are you thinking?” translating complex, multi-layered visual and sensory thoughts into language is daunting enough. However, the challenge is compounded exponentially by non-autistic individuals’ misinterpreting these communications. Often, what is communicated is not what is heard, leading to a gross misrepresentation of the original thought or feeling.

This frequent misunderstanding can be intensely frustrating. Autistic individuals typically do not engage in the subtleties of social communication that non-autistics might—there are no hidden agendas, no malice, or subtle insinuations in their words. Like many others on the spectrum, my brain does not work quickly enough with language to weave complex social games or implications. Every misinterpretation or assumption others make about supposed subtexts or unspoken messages that do not exist only adds to the frustration.

Such experiences can be highly agitating, leading to a preference for silence rather than risking further misunderstanding. This frustration is not unique to me but is a common sentiment among many non-verbal or minimally verbal autistic individuals. The continual misinterpretation and the effort to correct it can be exhausting, diminishing the desire to interact.

Understanding this can help bridge the communication gap: recognizing that the autistic way of processing and expressing thoughts is different—not deficient—can lead to more effective and respectful communication. It is crucial for non-autistics to listen more carefully and to resist the urge to read between the lines where there is nothing to be read. Patience and a genuine effort to understand can transform these interactions, making them less stressful and more rewarding for autistic individuals struggling to share their unique perspectives.

Social Cognition

Social Safety & Perception

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Navigating Perception: The Quest for Safety

The experience of being perceived, mainly when the intentions of the observer are unclear, can be a significant source of anxiety and discomfort, especially for individuals who have faced misunderstanding, prejudice, or bullying in the past. This uncertainty about how others will receive and interpret one’s actions, appearance, or identity can lead to a pervasive sense of vulnerability and unsafety. The apprehension of not knowing whether the observer’s intent is benign, critical, or even hostile amplifies this discomfort, contributing to constant vigilance and stress.

The Anxiety of Being Observed

When individuals cannot gauge the intentions behind others’ perceptions of them, it can trigger a cascade of internal questioning and self-doubt. This may include concerns like:

  • “Will they misunderstand my actions or words?”
  • “Are they judging me negatively?”
  • “Will this lead to exclusion or bullying?”

Such questions reflect the internal turmoil caused by ambiguous social cues and the potential for adverse outcomes, including social rejection or aggression.

Interpreting Intent: A Complex Challenge

Feeling safe in social interactions is not merely about physical well-being but also encompasses emotional and psychological safety. When the intent behind being perceived is unknown, individuals may feel exposed and vulnerable, as if under a spotlight with uncertain consequences. This sensation can be particularly intense for those who have historically been marginalized, misunderstood, or bullied, such as individuals with neurodivergence, including autism.

Creating Safer Social Spaces

To manage the unease associated with being perceived, individuals may develop coping mechanisms or avoidance behaviours, such as:

  • Withdrawal from social situations to reduce the likelihood of being judged or bullied.
  • Over-analyzing their behaviour or appearance to try to control how they are perceived.
  • Seeking out environments or communities where they feel more understood and safe.

Empathy: The Key to Understanding

Creating environments where individuals feel safe and understood involves fostering empathy and promoting open, nonjudgmental communication. It is crucial to recognize the diversity of human experiences and the complexity of social interactions. Encouraging empathy and understanding can mitigate the fear associated with being perceived, helping individuals feel more secure about how others see them.

Conclusion

The experience of being perceived, especially with unclear intentions, can significantly affect one’s sense of safety and well-being in social contexts. Addressing this requires a collective effort to understand and accommodate the diverse ways people experience and navigate social perception. By cultivating environments of empathy, acceptance, and open communication, society can move towards reducing the anxiety and vulnerability that come with the uncertainty of being perceived.

Editorial

Autism Community Divided

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Unpacking How ‘Asperger’s’ Contributes to Division in the Autism Community

  • Is Asperger syndrome a severe form of autism spectrum disorder?
  • How does Asperger’s compare to autism intelligence?
  • What is life like for someone with Asperger’s?

Above are the typical questions Autistics and families of Autistics get asked often. Words matter. They can be inclusive or divisive. Because we can never know how an individual feels about a word or events surrounding a word, its always best to ask or use formal terminology. If you can’t remember either choice, silence is always an option.

The use of the term “Asperger’s” within the autistic community and broader discussions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a topic of debate and sensitivity for several reasons, leading some to avoid its use in favour of more inclusive or neutral terminology. Here are the key reasons why the term “Asperger’s” can perpetuate negative bias and why it may be viewed unfavourably by some within the autistic community:

  1. Association with Hans Asperger: The term “Asperger’s syndrome” originates from Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who, during World War II, identified a group of children with distinct psychological characteristics. Recent historical research has revealed that Asperger cooperated with the Nazi regime’s eugenics policies, including the forced sterilization and euthanasia of disabled individuals. This association with Nazi eugenics has led to a reevaluation of his legacy and a push to distance the autistic community from his name.
  2. Pathologizing Language: The term “Asperger’s syndrome” is sometimes criticized for pathologizing individuals, implying a disease or disorder that needs to be cured or fixed. Many within the autistic community prefer identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”) and view autism as a difference rather than a disorder. The specific label of “Asperger’s” can be seen as reinforcing a medical model of disability rather than a social model that focuses on societal barriers and acceptance.
  3. False Perception of Homogeneity: Using specific labels like “Asperger’s” can contribute to stereotypes about what autism looks like, potentially overshadowing the diversity within the autistic community. It may reinforce a narrow view of autism as being associated only with those who are verbal or have certain intellectual or academic abilities, ignoring the wide range of experiences and needs within the community.
  4. Hierarchy within the Autism Spectrum: The term “Asperger’s” has been used in the past to denote a “milder” form of autism, sometimes leading to a perceived hierarchy within the autism spectrum. This can invalidate the experiences and challenges faced by those who don’t fit this narrow definition, and it can perpetuate the idea that some autistic experiences are more “acceptable” or “normal” than others.
  5. Diagnostic Criteria Changes: The diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders have evolved. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, removed Asperger’s syndrome as a separate diagnosis and merged it into the broader category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change reflects a move towards understanding autism as a spectrum with varying degrees of support needs rather than as distinct subtypes. This shift in diagnostic criteria has also influenced the language professionals and advocates use.
  6. Self-Identification and Community Preferences: Some individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome before the diagnostic criteria change may still identify with the term, and it’s important to respect personal identification choices. However, the broader movement towards more inclusive and less stigmatizing language reflects a community preference towards unity and recognition of diversity within the spectrum.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the use of the term “Asperger’s” within the autistic community and discussions about autism spectrum disorder underscores the importance of language and its impact on inclusion and perception. The term’s association with Hans Asperger, pathologizing language, false perception of homogeneity, perceived hierarchy within the autism spectrum, changes in diagnostic criteria, and community preferences all contribute to the complexity of this issue.

Moving forward, it’s crucial to prioritize respectful and inclusive language that reflects the diversity and lived experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. This includes using identity-first language when appropriate and recognizing that autism is a spectrum with a wide range of strengths, challenges, and support needs. By fostering a sense of unity and understanding within the community, we can work towards creating a more accepting and supportive environment for all individuals on the autism spectrum.