Autism is often characterised by distinct differences in how individuals experience and navigate social interactions, communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing. These differences change how autistic people perceive and respond to the world around them.

Understanding these differences can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic individuals. In this blog, we’ll explore the key areas of social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and sensory needs in autism, shedding light on how these differences shape daily life and the importance of accommodating them.

Social Interaction Differences in Autism:

Social interaction differences are often one of the most noticeable aspects of autism. Autistic people may find it challenging to interpret social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. This difficulty can make it harder to understand what others are feeling or thinking, leading to potential misunderstandings in social situations. Autistic people may also struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations or friendships, not because they lack interest in social interaction but because the unwritten rules of social behaviour can feel confusing or overwhelming. Some individuals may also struggle with their eye contact. Autistic people may avoid eye contact because it can feel uncomfortable or too intense. For many autistic people, avoiding eye contact can help them focus better on what’s being said.

Group settings, especially those with unstructured social interaction, can be particularly challenging for autistic people. They may feel more comfortable in one-on-one conversations or in structured environments where social expectations are clear. Some autistic individuals might prefer solitude or need more time alone to recharge after social interactions, which can be mentally and emotionally draining.

Communication differences in Autism:

Communication differences are a distinctive feature of autism and can vary widely among individuals. One common communication difference in autism is difficulty with understanding figurative language, such as metaphors, idioms, or sarcasm. Autistic individuals often interpret language literally, which can lead to confusion or miscommunication when others use non-literal speech. There may be communication differences in terms of the rhythm, tone, and inflection of speech. Autistic people may struggle with taking turns in conversation, recognizing when it's appropriate to change the subject, or knowing how to enter or exit a conversation smoothly. They may also focus heavily on particular topics of interest, which can sometimes dominate conversations, even when the other person shows signs of wanting to discuss something else. Some Autistic people may engage in echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases that they hear. Echolalia can be immediate (repeating something just heard) or delayed (repeating something heard in the past).

Restricted and Repetitive Interests in Autism:

Restricted and repetitive behaviours are core features of autism and can manifest in various ways. Autistic individuals often develop intense interests in specific topics or activities, which can sometimes seem obsessive to outsiders. These interests may be highly specialised, such as memorising the details of train schedules, collecting certain types of objects, or deep understanding of a particular subject. 

While these focused interests can be incredibly fulfilling and provide a sense of mastery for autistic individuals, they can also create social challenges. A person with autism may talk about their particular interest at length, sometimes without noticing whether the other person appears interested. This can lead to difficulties in social interactions, as others may not always engage with or understand the depth of the interest. However, these interests can also be a source of strength, as many autistic individuals develop expertise and career paths around their passions.

Repetitive behaviours often accompany restricted interests. These can include physical movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning, which are sometimes referred to as "stimming." Stimming can help regulate sensory input, reduce anxiety, or provide comfort in overwhelming environments. 

Routine and predictability are often very important for Autistic people, and they may become distressed when their routines are disrupted. This preference for sameness can manifest in repetitive patterns of behaviour, such as eating the same food every day, following a strict daily schedule, or insisting on certain rituals before completing tasks. These behaviours are often a way to maintain a sense of control and predictability in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic or confusing.

Sensory Needs in Autism:

Sensory differences are common in individuals with autism and can significantly affect daily life. Autistic individuals may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory stimuli in their environment, including sounds, lights, textures, smells, and tastes. These sensory processing differences can lead to either overwhelming experiences or, conversely, a need to seek out sensory input.

Hypersensitivity often means that certain stimuli, such as the hum of fluorescent lights, the texture of certain fabrics, or the noise of a crowded room, can be overwhelming or even painful. For example, someone with auditory hypersensitivity might cover their ears or wear noise-cancelling headphones in environments like a shopping mall or a busy street. Bright lights or strong smells might cause distress, leading to a need to avoid certain environments altogether.

On the other hand, hyposensitivity may cause individuals to seek out additional sensory input such as enjoying heavy pressure, being hugged tightly, or seeking out tactile sensations like rubbing certain fabrics. They may also engage in sensory-seeking behaviours like spinning in circles, jumping, or making loud noises because these actions help them regulate their sensory system.

Sensory differences can significantly affect how autistic individuals navigate the world. In school or work settings, for example, an environment that is too noisy, bright, or chaotic can make it difficult for an autistic person to concentrate or function effectively. Sensory overload can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns, where the individual may become extremely distressed or need to withdraw from the situation to recover

Understanding and accommodating sensory needs is crucial for supporting Autistic people. Simple adjustments, like providing quiet spaces, dimming lights, or allowing for sensory breaks, can make a significant difference in an autistic person’s ability to engage with their environment and feel comfortable. Sensory tools, such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, or noise-reducing devices, can also provide essential support in managing sensory input.