Published on 12, July, 2020
I’ve had problems with using telephones forever, I get anxiety and just struggle with most phone calls. I’m fine with text messages and emails, I still don’t answer them immediately. I understand the difference with being able to plan replies to texts and emails.
My question is a family member just keeps mentioning how I never answer my phone, “why can’t you answer your phone?” It’s something I struggle to explain, I still don’t fully understand.
Is there a really good link or tube video that will explain the reasons why autistic people struggle so much with telephones? It needs to be in very plain language. I’ve tried to explain to the person but normally just shutdown.
Thanks to all who helped, I sent my mother one of the links kindly supplied to me.
I heard nothing for two days….
The reply came last night , “ I looked at most of it, but my phone shows who’s calling so I do understand why a phone call can cause anxiety?” I really give up, it’s not certain phone calls, it’s all phone calls!
Hi Roy
You are very welcome, we are here for you!
I am sorry that your mother still doesn’t accept or understand why telephone calls are so anxiety inducing for you, it is obviously very frustrating for you.
It seems like regardless of the information you give her to help her understand, it is not working.
An unfortunate but classic example of the double empathy problem.