Words/language as an autistic person

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.

Parents
  • Debbie.

    You've started another cracker!  Too spooned-out at the moment, but just reading the responses here, so far, makes me feel very much part of this tribe.  I feel very blessed and lucky to have found you all....I so love that we are all so very similar in so many ways.  I could never have dreamt of feeling such a strong connection to this quantity of great souls all in one place.  It's so comforting to me....and I still feel excitement when I read a resonant OP followed by a contiguous sequence of resonant contributors.

    This is a good place.

  • I could never have dreamt of feeling such a strong connection to this quantity of great souls all in one place.  It's so comforting to me....and I still feel excitement when I read a resonant OP followed by a contiguous sequence of resonant contributors.

    That’s great! I am so glad you have found your neurokin!

  • Yes - I'm as pleased as punch.......you and I are so different in many ways, yet we are also so clearly the same.  It's so cool!  Hopefully some of your ausomeness and positivity will continue to rub off on me.  [As a wordsmith who is familiar with all manner of dialects, conventions AND the urban dictionary......I really nearly didn't leave that wording.........but then again.....it's important to have fun !!!!!

    Have a great one, Ausome one.

Reply
  • Yes - I'm as pleased as punch.......you and I are so different in many ways, yet we are also so clearly the same.  It's so cool!  Hopefully some of your ausomeness and positivity will continue to rub off on me.  [As a wordsmith who is familiar with all manner of dialects, conventions AND the urban dictionary......I really nearly didn't leave that wording.........but then again.....it's important to have fun !!!!!

    Have a great one, Ausome one.

Children
  • Yes - I'm as pleased as punch.......you and I are so different in many ways, yet we are also so clearly the same.

    That’s great! I love the diversity of our autistic community! I am so glad you feel the same way…we really are Ausomely Autistic!

    Hopefully some of your ausomeness and positivity will continue to rub off on me.

    I hope so too! You are Ausome too even if you don’t realise it yet! Thanks for the compliment! Smile