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.
People told me that I spoke `posh' when I was younger. I think that's mainly because I speak fairly `flat' in conversation - although to me, I think I sound normal and other people sound very over the top with their constant changes in pitch and volume - chill out and let me concentrate on what you're saying! It's funny that you said about using all the old sayings and phrases. My mum uses a lot of these but I never usually say those because I am quite a literal person and I prefer to be exact. But I do make a lot of puns. I love word-play, word games and learning about linguistics. For example I really like this youtuber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7DuvWVazpk&ab_channel=DrGeoffLindsey. And I am very good at Scrabble because I have been playing it with my family since I was about 5 years old :)
BassFace said:other people sound very over the top with their constant changes in pitch and volume - chill out and let me concentrate on what you're saying!
Yes, yes & yes.
When I am actually engaged with a conversation, I am often told that I sound aggressive, irritated, patronising and abrupt. This is not the case - I am merely being precise, careful and exacting in my speech to ensure that I am accurately communicating what my brain is trying to say.
It is very frustrating to me. I have two options = a) sound "normal" and speak loosely or b) be precise and then be accused of feeling and behaving in a way that I am not.
I am convinced 'inside' that I'm completely neutral-looking in interactions, out there, but my partner tells me I'm anything but. Apparently I often look like I'm seething, I'm not fuming to myself, but maybe my irritation with NTs is leaking out...because a lot of them, really are megaknobs! and there's no fancy words, in fact more likely a paucity of words, they just are MKs intrinsically!
LOL