Andrew Hayward on Twitter: "On autism and literalism, and why it's not just about avoiding euphemisms. 🧵" / Twitter

CREATED: [2022-04-29 Fri 01:18]
ID: d480d7a4-8764-48d9-96f6-5c8cf7ada4a1
ROAM_REFS: https://mobile.twitter.com/arhayward/status/1463924518792179729
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MTIME: [2024-12-25 Wed 15:54]

Replying to @arhayward It is often said that you should avoid using euphemism around autistic people, because they won't understand what you're saying, and will find it confusing. While this may be true to a degree, like all things autism, it isn't the whole picture.

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 Some autistic people understand euphemism just fine, and can in fact be incredibly subtle and sarcastic with their language. But this does not necessarily mean that they don't have problems with literalism.

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 Often, autistic people will hold on to very specific parts of your speech; details that are not necessarily "incorrect", but are also not in and of themselves correct either.

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 We all tend to exaggerate, or be loose with certain facts. But often, particularly in heated situations, it can be a huge stumbling block for an autistic brain…

"Why do you never do this?" "Well, I do, sometimes." "That's not my point." "But that's what you said."

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 Allistic people are seemingly able to understand, generally, that when a question is asked, it may be getting at a point not strictly addressed. An autistic person, however, may be quite surprised when their very specific response is not what was expected.

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 The reverse is also true; when an autistic person asks a question, receiving a response to your interpretation can throw them off completely. You might see the logical progression, but they may well need that step to get there themselves.

Andrew Hayward @arhayward · Nov 25, 2021 This is not to say that either party is wrong; it's just two different sets of approaches and expectations around communication.

Ultimately all we can do is be patient, understanding, and forgiving with each other.

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