Why communication can be exhausting

Just found an explanation of why questions make us autistic adults nervous. I would have just said it's because I don't know what to expect, but who does? Here's the clearer explanation:

"We have to do manually what neurotypical brains do automatically...

We have to manually modify our speech patterns, facial expressions and tone of voice, so as not to come across as rude or defensive, whilst also coming up with a correct and socially acceptable answer in seconds .... And it's an exhausting balancing act." - Jaime A Heidel, The Articulate Autistic

Also, the article mentions that when we answer a question, we want to make sure we are answering with all the correct information and details, which also resonates with me.

This is relevant to all our conversation I think, not just about questions. I find that I often go over past conversations in my head, wishing I had added something or phrased something differently. I also rehearse future conversations.

This has really helped me understand why I've had problems with communication and relationships in the past,  what masking is, and why I've always got tired so easily.