Difficulty expressing emotions/opinions

 Hi everyone, 

I wanted to know if anyone else has the same issue, and I’d like to know if this is an autistic trait. 

firstly, a lot of people say I’m difficult to read as I don’t open up with people. I tend to ask others how they are rather than open up about how I’m feeling. My facial expressions are ones I think would fit in a conversation (default is looking like I’m concentrating!)

in conversation, I’m told I always just agree with people and nod rather than give my own opinion. My mum says I’m very ‘flat lined’ and don’t express emotion much like excitement or anger unless it’s a really strong emotion (extremely angry or extremely happy etc). Does anyone else have this? 

thanks so much in advance! 

from Ellie 

Parents
  • Yes, this is very common in autistic people.

    My assessment report noted that I have a very flat tone of voice and don’t use much facial expression. I may feel like I’m smiling but my face has other ideas.

    Opening up to other people is something I learned not to do in childhood because it generally resulted in humiliation. Again, I think this is very common in autistic people.

Reply
  • Yes, this is very common in autistic people.

    My assessment report noted that I have a very flat tone of voice and don’t use much facial expression. I may feel like I’m smiling but my face has other ideas.

    Opening up to other people is something I learned not to do in childhood because it generally resulted in humiliation. Again, I think this is very common in autistic people.

Children