Publication date: Jun 23, 2025
This review focuses on recent research (primarily published between 2020-2024) describing unique aspects of communication in autistic adults. We review research on communication-related outcomes, as well as four communication topics frequently cited as important to autistic people (literal and non-literal language, augmentative and alternative communication, nonverbal communication, and double empathy). A substantial proportion of autistic adults do not develop fluent language by adulthood. Autistic adults frequently experience communication barriers impacting relationships, employment, and health. These barriers arise from multiple sources (e. g., language, nonverbal communication, and unaccommodating environments and communication partners). Thus, it is essential to take a multifaceted approach to supporting autistic adults to ensure their communication success. We conclude that it is vital for clinicians and researchers to understand how autistic traits commonly manifest in adults and to accept and accommodate communication differences as they arise. To that end, we offer specific recommendations to help clinicians and researchers strengthen their interactions with the autistic people in their lives.
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| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Adults | AAC |
| Autistic | Autism |
| Clinicians | Communication |
| Recent | Disability |
| Language | |
| Nonverbal Communication |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | communication barriers |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Spinosad |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Coenzyme M |
| disease | MESH | Autism |
| disease | MESH | Communication Disability |
| disease | MESH | facial expressions |
| disease | MESH | Autism spectrum disorder |
| disease | MESH | echolalia |
| disease | MESH | intellectual disabilities |
| disease | MESH | tic |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Isoxaflutole |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Trestolone |
| disease | MESH | anxiety |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Polyethylene glycol |
| disease | MESH | posture |
| disease | MESH | alexithymia |
| disease | MESH | confusion |
| disease | MESH | burnout |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Pentaerythritol tetranitrate |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methionine |
| disease | MESH | suicide |
| disease | MESH | suicidal ideation |
| disease | MESH | depressive symptoms |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Ademetionine |
| pathway | REACTOME | Reproduction |
| disease | MESH | mental disorders |
| disease | MESH | Death |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Ilex paraguariensis leaf |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Sulpiride |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Adenosine |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Ferrous sulfate anhydrous |
| disease | MESH | Premature mortality |