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Resources > Living with Autism
Autism and Communication
Strategies for effective communication for autistic people
Source: National Autistic Society
Effective communication is often a significant area of difference for autistic individuals, and this National Autistic Society resource provides invaluable insights and strategies. It explores the diverse ways autistic people communicate, which may include spoken language, visual aids, gestures, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The resource educates readers on common communication challenges, such as difficulties with interpreting non-literal language, understanding social cues, or initiating conversations. Crucially, it offers practical advice for non-autistic individuals on how to adapt their communication styles to better support autistic people, including using clear and direct language, allowing processing time, and respecting different communication preferences. For autistic individuals, it provides tips on how to express themselves more effectively and how to navigate social communication complexities. This comprehensive guide aims to foster more successful and less stressful interactions, promoting better understanding and connection between autistic and non-autistic people.
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