VIDEO CONFERENCE: How to Speak “Aspergian”

An International Support Group facilitated by Dr. Marshack. This Video Conference is only for members of Meetup. Click here for membership details and to register for this call.

Register here

Topic: VIDEO CONFERENCE: How to Speak “Aspergian”

When: Thursday, August 11th at 4 pm Pacific Time

Speaking “Aspergian” is a powerful tool in your relationship. It’s not so much speaking the language of your ASD loved ones as it is understanding theirs. With this understanding, you can neutralize everyone’s distress. When you are detached from the emotional meaning of the communication, it is much easier to guide the conversation to a mutually agreeable place.

For example, people on the Spectrum don’t have empathy. They positively hate it when I say this, but it is true. If your ASD loved one doesn’t have all of the elements of empathy, it is the same as Zero Degrees of Empathy as you well know. Your NeuroDiverse spouse may have cognitive empathy or a rather flat logical understanding of the facts, but they struggle to connect it to the emotional meaning. Or they may be highly sensitive and cry at the drop of the hat, but be unable to speak about their feelings. Or they may care deeply about social justice or personal cause, but be unable to connect with others on the issue.

Disconnects between emotions and thoughts, no awareness of the intention behind human behaviors, using idiosyncratic words that carry no meaning for others . . . these methods create a kind of language that can seem impenetrable. Autistic children seem to have a language of their own that no one can fathom. Autistic adults, even our high functioning “Aspies” have the same unusual language patterns. Once we break the code, it is much easier to communicate and relate.

You might be getting used to your loved one talking in “Aspergian,” but you don’t have to. Our lives have been in crisis mode off and on for years, simply because we live with loved ones on the Spectrum and their multiple emotional/ psychological/ physical demands. When the pandemic took hold, I barely noticed. I was used to the isolation, as so many of us are who live with “Aspies.” With this conference, I want to remind you that you are not alone and you belong in our community.

Bring examples of the mysterious language of your ASD loved ones to share with our community. Even if your partner on the Spectrum uses a different code word than another person on the Spectrum, the system they use is the same. But the real goal is more than understanding their code; it is also to reduce distress and find a way to connect with your loved ones.

You will be able to see the Zoom link for this conference on the event page after you pay the event fee. The fee is $21.95. After you register to attend, please click the Zoom link and join at the time of the video conference. The event fee is non-refundable.

If you have technical questions about using MeetUp, check our Guide to MeetUp here: https://asd-ntrelationships.com/guide-to-meetup/
We have over 10 years of questions from members answered here.