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.