Language and communication difficulties leave autistic people feeling isolated: what does recent research tell us

Research has shown that autistic people often have difficulties explaining themselves or understanding language use, even if they have no additional learning disabilities and this can include subtle language use. Subtle language is where the speaker does not explain everything they mean and assume that those who are listening understands most of what they are trying to get across.  This difficulty for autistic people can lead to upset, frustration and issues with self-advocacy, which in turn affects many aspects of daily life including social relationships and mental health.

In a study on this topic led by a group of researchers from Manchester University (first author Sturrock) and published in 2021, autistic children described their language and communication difficulties and how these affected many aspects of their lives; from learning and making friends, to asking for help. The children described how breakdowns in communication led to negative emotions; but also how negative emotions led to further difficulties explaining themselves.

The study gathered data on lived experiences from 12 autistic children (both boys and girls), aged 9-14 years, who had no learning disability. [The  gender mix counters previous studies where females have been greatly underrepresented.]

The participants provided examples of where these communication difficulties were present in their lives:

At School

Participants mentioned that they struggled to concentrate in lessons when they felt unmotivated or over stimulated by the environment.  They reported feeling more stressed and annoyed at themselves when they experienced these feelings.

Social settings.

Social Impacts were raised by most participants. Many found it difficult to start or maintain new relationships due to the pressure and stress of trying to fit in. Most felt as if they couldn’t be their true selves and had to mask and hold back from self-expression.

At home.

Some children reported feeling overwhelmed and unable to express themselves when an adult asked them specific questions and put them on the spot.

The researchers organised the examples into four main themes (and several sub-themes):

1. Emotions associated with language/communication 

1. Pride in having a wide vocabulary
2. Frustration at word finding difficulties
3. Finding the motivation to listen
4. Recall difficulties for spoken instructions
5. Group conversation difficulties – processing multiple voice and / or understanding turn taking mechanics.

2. Difficulties with self-advocacy

1. Find it challenging to organise ideas and explain thoughts
2. Difficulty naming and expressing emotions;
3. May feel unmotivated to share emotions and/or need a ‘safe space’ in order to do so
4. Feel internal pressure to describe events as accurately as possible;
5. Find it difficult to choose the appropriate level of detail for the conversation / audience.

3. Issues with maintaining relationships and developing new ones

1. May lack motivation or find it difficult to make new friendships due to the pressure and stress of socialising.
2. Communication difficulties such as initiating conversations and expressing emotions and feelings  can  also be a barrier to maintaining relationships
3. They might find it difficult to accept that friendships change as they grow older.
4. Some might see their neurodivegence as an identity that inhibits them from making friends.
5. Having shared interests can make it easier for autistic people to maintain a relationship.

4. The use of language and literacy to support social and emotional development

1. Practicing creative writing and reading can give a sense of pride to autistic people.
2. Creative writing allows them to explore their feelings and increase their knowledge.
3. Reading can aid them in developing their social-emotional skills.
4. Writing information down can aid them in understanding a stressful and complex social situation.

The findings suggest that better identification and support for language and communication difficulties could improve many aspects of autistic children’s lives.

Conclusion

Language and communication difficulties experienced by autistic people can leave them feeling overwhelmed, emotional and in many cases lowers their self-worth. Understanding what triggers these feelings and putting in place strategies (as EPIC Think Learn does) may help us improve autistic children’s lives.

[This Blog Post was written by David Mercieca, while on placement for MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement, University of Edinburgh]