In their own words: The impact of subtle language and communication difficulties as described by autistic girls and boys without intellectual disability
Authors: Sturrock Alexandra , Chilton Helen , Foy Katie , Freed Jenny , Adams Catherine 
Published: July 2021

Subtle language and communication difficulties are persistent and pervasive for autistic individuals without intellectual disability. They are thought to impact negatively on functionality, social interrelations and emotional well-being, although this relationship is under-explored in the literature. The personal accounts of autistic children could add valuable insight into how they experience subtle language and communication difficulties and what impact this has on their daily lives. In this study, 12 autistic children (9–14 years), without intellectual disability, were interviewed on this topic, using specially developed methods/materials to facilitate rich self-reporting. Results showed the children could provide detailed insight into their difficulties and the impact of these on key aspects of functionality (education and daily living) and social interrelations (including friendship building). They also demonstrated a potentially bi-directional relationship between subtle language and communication difficulties and negative emotions; with negative emotions limiting communicative competence and subtle linguistic difficulties leading to negative emotional responses. This study indicates the need for further investigation into the subtle difficulties experienced by autistic children without intellectual disability and its likely impact. Implications for clinical practice include the need for better identification of subtle language and communication difficulties and provision of appropriate therapeutic services which may help to ameliorate negative functional, social and emotional sequelae.

Lay abstract

Subtle language and communication difficulties are experienced by many autistic individuals even when they do not have additional learning disabilities. These difficulties may affect a person’s day-to-day living, social relationships and emotional well-being. However, currently, there is not much research into this topic. To date, no one has asked autistic children about their own language and communication difficulties or how they feel it affects them. Asking the children could provide valuable new insights. In this study, 12 autistic children (9–14 years), without learning disability, were interviewed on this topic. We developed interview questions, resources and interview procedures with the support of the autistic community. We also worked with an autistic researcher to analyse our results. We aimed to get the most genuine report of the autistic child’s experiences. Our results showed that the children could give detailed insight into their language and communication difficulties if they were given the right support. They told us about how subtle language and communication difficulties affected their ability to learn, take part in certain activities and seek help. They talked about how subtle difficulties affect their ability to talk to new people, talk in groups and ultimately make friends. They also told us about the emotional upset that these subtle difficulties could have. They suggest that communication breakdown leads to negative feelings, but also that negative feelings can lead to more difficulties explaining themselves. The results of this study suggest that we should do more research on the effects of subtle language and communication difficulties. There are also implications for clinical practice. We should identify subtle language and communication difficulties through thorough assessment because these are often missed. We should also develop therapy and strategies that are aimed at individuals with subtle language and communication difficulties because this could help prevent additional difficulties with learning, help-seeking, friendship-making and emotional well-being.