45638 :: Seasoned with Salt

According to Ability Central, a website educating the public about disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) "affects the way people perceive, think about, and interact with the world." Listed among the "most common symptoms of autism" are:

• Often being misunderstood and appearing to be blunt or even rude
• Taking words and phrases too literally

So now, while I am not claiming to be autistic or even on the spectrum, I do have to wonder if even people who are generally perceived as being neurotypical commonly present one or more of the markers associated with autism. Because, believe it or not, I have frequently been accused of the two above-mentioned traits.

I was given to contemplating that conundrum this morning when confronted again with the manner in which I worded a simple request. Upon reflection (after getting over myself and my annoyance at, once again, being misunderstood,) it came to me that indeed I had phrased my request as telling the person what to do instead of telling them what I wanted to do and needed from them. 

(Honestly, it has gotten to the point where there are days when I feel like I might as well just keep the flap shut because I am going to be misunderstood no matter what. A friend of mine who has been officially diagnosed with Asperger's often complains that he has to constantly monitor what he says, and my answer to him has always been the same: "So does everyone else." Now I am beginning to wonder if I see it that way because I have to do likewise, and have just assumed that is the norm.)

Scripture tells believers in Colossians, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt..." which, in context is referring to speaking with un-believers so that our speech correctly reflects the truth of the Gospel, but I think the principle can apply to our speech in general and how our words come across to others. 

As I have (frequently) mentioned, I am not a fan of putting labels on people or having them put on me. We are so much more than any label and we do ourselves and others an injustice by trying to relegate them into a neat little box. BUT - understanding that not all brains are wired the same is a helpful tool when interacting with others, and to that end I think a little monitoring of my speech habits could possibly be in order. If nothing else, to help foster better communication and lessen hurt feelings.

We'll just have to see how that plays out.