Autistic Adults Experience Overwhelm Due to Nonverbal Social Cues

Many autistic adults find navigating social interactions particularly taxing because of the complex nonverbal cues that accompany communication. A recent study published in PLOS One highlights how interpreting facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact requires significant mental effort for these individuals. The research analyzed 362 firsthand accounts from autistic adults on the online forum WrongPlanet.net, focusing on their experiences with nonverbal communication in everyday life.

Participants described nonverbal cues as akin to deciphering an unfamiliar, unwritten language that changes in real time. Some reported that trying to maintain eye contact, read facial expressions, and monitor body language simultaneously felt overwhelming or like "too much going on." Others expressed frustration that nonverbal signals are often open to misinterpretation, leading to misunderstandings or unfair judgments.

The study also sheds light on the impact of these communication challenges, including how they contribute to the Double Empathy Problem, where both autistic and non-autistic individuals struggle to understand each other's communication styles. This mutual disconnect can cause social anxiety, feelings of being misunderstood, and reduced quality of life.

To cope, many autistic adults adopt strategies such as mimicking gestures, taking acting or communication classes, or preferring written forms of communication to avoid the pressures of body language. Embracing authenticity rather than trying to conform to neurotypical expectations is also a common approach.

Led by researcher Holly Radford from the University of Portsmouth, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse communication styles. Radford, who is autistic herself, underscores how nonverbal communication can feel like decoding a complex language, and advocates for creating more inclusive and understanding social environments.

The research team, including experts like Dr. Steven Kapp, Bronte Reidinger, and Dr. Ashley de Marchena, highlights the need for both autistic and non-autistic people to adapt and foster more accessible communication practices. Practical advice includes giving extra response time, clarifying intentions with words, avoiding assumptions based on body language, and respecting individual communication preferences.

Ultimately, improving awareness and encouraging diverse communication methods can help reduce misunderstandings, support mental health, and strengthen connections across all communities.