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 find it easy to morph into different accents or use of words. If I spend a short time near someone with a regional accent, I then find it easy to mimic them and learn their colloquial sayings, not in a mocking way, I suppose it’s another way of blending in and using the mask. I can go from BBC English to something like Cockney easily and use different words, it depends on who I’m with.
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?
You'd have been proud of me this evening mate. I walked around London adopting a very convincing (I am told, on good authority) voice and behaviour of a smacked out Heroin-Head from the Hull area wandering about....loudly. I play the loud fun mask pretty well when I'm suitably inspired. For the record, no drink nor drugs were required for my performance....just a keen ear and studying eye. No offence was intended and certainly done directed....and I'm confident none was taken in the moment.
I've not consciously done "Hull" before....but it rolls nicely out and seems warms to the touch!
[DISAMBIGUATION......I have nothing against Hull, nor its residents, and my actions tonight, and reporting of them here, is in no way intended to intimate that people from that area are any more likely than any other portion of the population to have any association with being smacked out nor with visiting London. Offence is never intentional from Number]
Can you do Yorkshire? or Geordie? or Northern Irish (love the Irish accents)
Isn't it a bit dangerous Roy?
Hypothetical scenario:
What if you are with someone one day, Cockney. Next day you're with a Queen's English, on the third day you find yourself in a room unexpectedly with both of these individuals together, which d'you go with? Cockney or QE? Surely someone's nose will be out of joint and they'll be looking at you saying 'what's this chap up to?' ! Wouldn't they assume you were, mocking them?
Echolalia? or perhaps Echolalia-deluxe?