Published on 12, July, 2020
This thread is the result of a discussion with Out of Step but also something I've been thinking about this past year, since diagnosis.
Years ago, when my friend was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, as was, I skim read some of his book: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood.
One section resonated.
I can't check out the wording now as I don't own it but it was about how autistic people may not speak as non autistic people do and may not use the language commonly used by their peers.
They may, for example, use what used to be called 'BBC English' as my mother did and I do, despite being working class and having gone to working class schools.
We didn't pick up a local accent.
However, some people may pick up the accent but be fascinated by words and use uncommon words.
Also, when I was at school I used words no-one knew the meaning of.
I did actually use a dictionary a lot when I was reading and learnt these more unusual words (and mispronounced them, as I still do) so that's probably part of the reason why.
My mother also used words I'd never heard anyone else use and said that when she was young she would read the dictionary.
She also constantly used the old sayings and phrases (eg a stitch in time saves nine) and I find my speech peppered with these phrases and anachronistic words.
I think that this difference also extends to speech patterns.
Anyone else experience similar and have any knowledge about this to add?
Thanks.
There is nothing wrong with having a “posh” English accent, I personally love it, as it sounds so classy - and in this day and age clear communication skills are a must - as long as I’ve lived in the U.K. (22 years) I still retain a strong and distinct Irish accent, for which I’ve had a lot of compliments from my English friends here in Manchester - a major reason for this is that I have a strong connection with my extended family and friends in Rural Ireland and in Dublin and I try to visit Ireland as often as I can
I like it when old threads reappear
Just bumping this back up as the question of accents has come up in a conversation and reminded me of this thread.
I am the 'deleted user' OP.
i just posted on another thread that I grew up in a fairly rough part of Glasgow (Maryhill) but speak standard English and was always described as "posh".
Amerantin said:This is so me!
You are having another of our many 'lightbulb' moments as late diagnosed personages where suddenly something clicks.
I think that may need its own thread
They may, for example, use what used to be called 'BBC English' as my mother did and I do, despite being working class and having gone to working class schools. We didn't pick up a local accent.
This is so me!
Autonomistic said:To others it may come across as showing off or trying to look intelligent, when that is not the intention at all.
Indeed. I suffer with this from others, because my preferred visual presentation does not align with a "Little Lord Fauntleroy" eloquence. I confuse most people. It seems to unsettle them.....or to put it another way...I unsettle them.
That happens to me a lot, most distressingly in the middle of me saying something. Even when the correct word pops back, it is difficult to be sure it really is the word you wanted in the first place.
Autistic children can have a much wider vocabulary and speak in a more adult style than non autistic children. They can miss and fail to understand the 'baby talk' stage and go straight to speaking in whole sentences with an advanced vocabulary.
I believe it is related to Hyperlexia, a condition related to autism.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/related-conditions/related-conditions/all-audiences
www.spanglefish.com/.../hyperlexia-whatishyperlexia.asp
Hyperlexia is observed in children who demonstrate the following cluster of characteristics:
Personally I taught myself to read at a very early age. I believe it was before nursery school. I learned language and spelling from reading the dictionary a lot as a child. I would speak differently and was much happier conversing with adults than other children. My mum said that people used to ask if I had been to elocution lessons, as I did not pick up the local accent. I also did not pick up slang or swear words from my peers at school.
Unfortunately it makes us more of a target for bullying when we speak differently and use uncommon vocabulary. To others it may come across as showing off or trying to look intelligent, when that is not the intention at all.
https://www.thearticulateautistic.com/we-dont-use-big-words-to-show-off/
I never wouldve thunk it, Number!
Interesting........sounds like we might have something in common (at last) out_of_spoons. What a surprise!
My partner frequently gets called his entire full name, even when he isn't in trouble!
I severely lengthen or severely shorten people's names when I address them, ie I will use their first and middle names or call them "Mr Anderson" even if I know them well. Alternatively, Robert becomes 'Row' or Adam becomes 'A'
Bonkers, me.
Something which ive been aware of for a long time is that I use people's names a lot when I'm talking to them, more than what I observe other people doing. I think it's my way of being direct and getting their attention. I do it when I say hello in the morning at work. Again, I think people find it a bit weird or they like it. I even do it at home, when it's obvious who I'm talking to.
Deepthought said:The above address does not work, so here follows an on-site link to another thread were I was able to post a previously and as of posting still working link for the PDF of the book:
Thank you.
I found it yesterday and posted some excerpts.
Your effort is much appreciated.
Great. Thanks for that. Sorry I hadn't replied earlier - I don't receive notifications so miss some replies. I will take a look on a less busy day.
Great. Thanks for that.
Sorry I hadn't replied earlier - I don't receive notifications so miss some replies.
I will take a look on a less busy day.
The above address does not work, so here follows an on-site link to another thread were I was able to post a previously and as of posting still working link for the PDF of the book:
https://community.autism.org.uk/f/parents-and-carers/26236/suitable-age-for-help-from-clinical-pyschologist/230957#230957
Why yes indeed, my dear, tis but a trifling matter to find myself in Auf Wiedersehen Pet territory.
I think this is funny but someone I know called George. I call him G-e-o. Makes sense, but no one else does.
I change my accent regularly to copy who is talking with me. I don’t know if this is because I am autistic? Another thing, I didn’t use to call people love or darling, but in company for long enough with someone that does, I will copy them. Not deliberately I don’t think! I am also very direct in my conversation. Are these autistic traits?
Number said:I could imagine how that could work very very sexy time like
Have you gone Geordie pet?