Connect & Grow Magazine: Issue 15: November- December 2024
Social interactions can be challenging for many neurodivergent people. Before discussing the challenges and social cues, let's define neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of human brains and minds, emphasising that variations like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others are part of the natural spectrum of human differences. Social cues, however, are the subtle signals and messages we use to communicate with others, including body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and context.
For individuals who are neurodivergent, interpreting social cues can often be challenging. While neurotypical individuals might intuitively pick up on these signals, those with conditions like autism may find it more difficult to understand or respond to them appropriately. This can lead to misunderstandings in social interactions. Often, for many people who are autistic, the conversation is taken at a literal level, so if someone says, " I will see you soon", that can be understood as I will see you soon today, not in the broader sense of the word when people often use it as I will see you again sometime, no specific date. This can be frustrating and confusing as the person who has understood it in the literal context is wondering why the person has yet to show up, yet the person who made the statement didn't believe they set a set date.
Understanding neurodiversity helps foster inclusiveness and compassion, promoting an environment where various communication styles are accepted. This awareness allows both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals to engage more effectively, encouraging patience and more transparent communication to bridge any gaps in understanding.
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When learning more about communication and social cues about neurodiversity, it can be beneficial to ask the person who has neurodivergent traits for clarification. Others often misunderstand them, especially as more words have multiple different meanings, adding to the confusion.
The other thing to be aware of is that many people who are neurodivergent when in social settings may choose to be quiet or overshare; they may also choose to leave when they have had enough. To others, this can be interpreted as rude and even selfish; however, social settings can be exhausting for the person, so they do what they need to.
Be patient and understanding if you are neurodivergent. If you are neurotypical, ask for clarity or, at the very least, check in with the person to ensure they have understood you. Be patient if you share a joke and someone in the group doesn't get it; they may not have understood it as a joke. This is just how their mind processes information.
Written by
Jacqui Grant
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
If you are a business and would like to understand Neurodiversity in the Workplace, we have a book and opportunities to book Jacqui to come to your workplace and speak with your staff.
To learn more, visit our website: Neurodiversity Training and Consultations.
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change