How Do Autistic People Communicate?IN BRIEF
Autistic people often face challenges in communication and interaction. Communicating goes beyond speaking; it includes facial expressions, gestures, and voice intonation. Jokes, double meanings, and other complexities of language can be particularly difficult to understand, so imagine the challenges for autistic individuals. Some autistic people may not speak or might communicate differently. A non-speaking autistic person might use other forms of communication, such as gestures or pictograms.

Autistic people may encounter numerous challenges in communication. Language is a subtle art with many variables. Communication isn’t just about sending and receiving messages. Difficulty understanding others and being understood can cause significant frustration and lead to social isolation. It’s important to remember that every autistic person is unique, and their challenges may vary depending on factors such as age, support needs, and individual abilities.
Difficulties with communication and social interactions are central to the autism diagnosis as defined by the DSM-5.
Spoken Language
Some autistic individuals do not use spoken language. For many, language development may be delayed, and while some eventually achieve functional speech, others may not. Non-speaking autistic individuals often rely on other communication methods, such as natural gestures, pictograms, or electronic tablets. Language difficulties are often one of the first signs that might lead to an eventual diagnosis.
Many autistic people are verbal and may even have a rich and advanced vocabulary. This elaborate language can sometimes mask their social challenges, which become evident during interactions. For instance, young children might impress others with their use of technical terms and their ability to explain topics they care deeply about, especially if it relates to their specific interests. However, communication is much broader than simply conveying information in a one-sided manner.
Starting a Conversation
Approaching someone, joining an ongoing conversation, engaging with a group, or knowing when and how to participate in a discussion can be significant hurdles. Timing the turns in a conversation, especially in group settings, often poses unique challenges.
Exiting a Conversation
Some autistic people may not notice when their conversation partner has had enough. If they’re enthusiastic about the topic, particularly if it aligns with their specific interest, they might not know when to stop or recognize signs of impatience. Conversely, they may struggle to decide when and how to end a conversation themselves. Saying goodbye appropriately, knowing whether to interrupt, and finding the right words can all present challenges.
Choosing the Right Words
Language varies depending on the context, and this variability can be a challenge for autistic individuals. Factors like the setting (e.g., family, friends, work, public places) and the degree of intimacy in the interaction influence word choice.
- Politeness conventions
- Formal vs. informal language
- Appropriateness of shared topics
- Duration of exchanges
- Everyday vs. elevated language
Subtext, Irony, and Sarcasm
Autistic people often interpret language literally and may struggle with subtle nuances. While they can sometimes memorize the meaning of phrases, these can still make them uncomfortable.
My mother used to say she had a frog in her throat. When I was a kid, it made me panic, and she laughed. Now I understand what it means, but I still find it disgusting. I picture the frog stuck there, with its claws and the taste of mud—it makes me really uncomfortable.
Jérémie, 28, autistic
Non-Verbal Communication
The non-verbal aspect of communication is essential for its proper flow. Someone deprived of this information will face significant gaps in interpreting what is being said.

Voice Modulation and Intonation
For autistic people, adjusting their voice or its volume can be difficult, especially in noisy environments or group settings. They may not be aware of their voice’s volume or struggle to modulate it when overstimulated. As a result, they might speak too loudly or too softly, depending on the context. Some autistic people also have a monotone voice, using little variation in tone.
I once got a phone call that made me very happy. While taking notes, the secretary asked why I was angry with her. I realized it was because my excitement sped up my speech and raised my pitch, making me seem upset. When I feel strong emotions, I struggle to control my intonation
Valérie Jessica, 45, autistic
Body language
Gestures play an important role in communication. However, autistic individuals may find it difficult to interpret others’ body language or may move in ways that are misunderstood. Some autistic people move very little, while others may have distinct movement patterns that can confuse others.
I’m very attentive to small movements and other cues people give during conversations. Yet, I often misinterpret them. For instance, I was surprised to see a man dancing joyfully at a crosswalk, but my friend pointed out he was actually angry because a car was blocking his way.
Valérie Jessica, 45, autistic
Autistic people may also move in unique ways, which can lead to misunderstandings. Some may move very little or not at all.
Eye contact
Many autistic people struggle with eye contact. Some use strategies like looking slightly to the side, while others avoid it entirely or engage in minimal eye contact. Many have been taught to force eye contact from a young age, which can make them overcompensate, creating discomfort for their conversation partners. Although this is harmless, it can feel unusual for others.

Facial Expressions
Autistic individuals might display unique facial expressions, such as a fixed smile, consistently neutral expressions, or mismatched emotions and expressions. Others might have exaggerated facial expressions, like forced laughter or caricatured features. Because using facial expressions doesn’t always come naturally to them, autistic people may consciously work to express themselves in this way, which can appear artificial.
Interpreting facial expressions is equally challenging. While reactions like laughing or crying might seem straightforward, subtler emotions are often harder to discern.
Echolalia
Echolalia refers to the repetition of words or phrases heard from someone, on the radio, or in media like cartoons.
Immediate Echolalia
Words are repeated right after being heard, without necessarily understanding their meaning.
If someone surprises me with a phrase that makes me feel uncomfortable, I'll tend to repeat what the person said word for word, sometimes several times. I can guarantee you that if it's something bad, it creates a lot of discomfort. It's better to laugh about it.
Valérie Jessica, 45, autistic
Delayed Echolalia
Delayed echolalia occurs when a person repeats words or phrases later, outside of their original context.
Young non-autistic children may also repeat words or phrases they’ve heard while learning language. This process involves memory storing and testing sounds, even if the child doesn’t fully understand their meaning. For many autistic children, this happens at a later stage.
Autistic individuals who use functional verbal language may also exhibit echolalia.
When I’m stressed or in pain, I might repeat, ‘Oops, the ball ricocheted,’ over and over. That’s delayed echolalia.
Valérie Jessica, 45, autistic

Selective Mutism
Selective mutism occurs when an autistic person is unable to speak in specific contexts. For instance, a child might speak at home but remain silent at school. This isn’t a form of defiance; it’s often because the mechanism of speech becomes literally blocked. Even in individuals who usually speak, a strong stimulus, stress, or another factor might temporarily make speech inaccessible.