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.
I think a lot of this comes from us using language as a communication tool which is more specific for us since we often struggle with the other communication tools of visual cues, intonation of phrases, societal rules and emotional expectations.
It makes lots of sense for us to want to dig deeper into some of the oddities of language and let ourselves become more adept at it since it is the only tool that makes sense to us.
I belive we are also prone to quoting films, books and others important to us in conversation as a result of scripting - using a phrase from a cool movie character in attempt to be cool ourselves for example.
All very autistic traits.
I have always felt that words when used properly can convey a lot of power - a specificity that is kind of lost when spoken as they are there on the page to be re-read to reinforce their meaning.
Words can also be quite emotional in the right context - something I rarely used to get through verbal dialogue but they can convey a beauty and artistry when used well.