All sorts of factors contribute to why we communicate the way we do. For example, the ways in which an autistic person will express a desire for connection can greatly vary from that of an allistic person (that’s the term for someone who isn’t autistic). Because autism is still so widely misunderstood, it can be easy for folks to misinterpret an autistic person’s words and actions.
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Kaelynn Partlow, who was on season one of Love on the Spectrum, recognizes this struggle firsthand. To help people better understand these communication differences, she made a video detailing connection attempts you may not recognize on your own. See them for yourself in the video below!
No matter who you are, complications can arise when we try and communicate with others. But the specific struggles that arise when someone who is autistic communicates with someone who is allistic can be lessened with… well, ironically, more communication. Just Kaelynn’s video alone is helping people better understand the autistic loved ones in their lives.
Kaelynn from Love on the Spectrum Gives Insight Into How Autistic People Seek Connection
Speaking of which, have you ever heard the term “bid for connection?” It’s a term that originates from the world of couple’s counseling. Essentially, it refers to the many ways in which we seek attention, connection, and comfort from the people we care about. Autistic or allistic, most of us want some type of connection like that.
“Oh god, I did all of these as a kid. To multiple people,” someone shares in the comments. “And I considered it embarrassing before now, but I realize it’s really sad that was how much I was desiring attention. Aw.”
“Thank you for opening my eyes,” another person writes. “My son has done all of these with me. I stop what I’m doing and give him my attention, but sometimes I have to stop him because boy oh boy my baby can talk lol. It’s nice to see that he’s just trying to connect to his Mama.”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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