Tharon’s Thoughts from Within. Comparing the Difference: Communication Styles of Neurotypicals and Autistics.

June 6, 2025




By Tharon

Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz


Comparing the Difference: Communication Styles of Neurotypicals and Autistics.


Part 1: Info Dumping


Neurotypicals and autistic individuals have vastly different communication styles. Autistic people often communicate bluntly and directly, which can sometimes be perceived as rude by neurotypicals although that was not the intention. Autistic individuals are often very honest and straightforward, sometimes perceived as "too honest for your own good." The way things are heard and understood is in the literal sense. This can cause miscommunication and a breakdown in relationships between autistic people and neurotypical people.


Neurotypical people tend to assume a lot in their interactions, while autistic individuals need clear, explicit communication without reading between the lines. For example, when it comes to offering a drink, a neurotypical might ask, "Hey, are you thirsty?" which may imply offering a drink to someone, whereas an autistic person would hear this statement as simply a question about thirst. Similarly, a neurotypical might say, "Hey, do you want to do the dishes?" which to an autistic person would appear as a question about preferences, instead of an invitation to engage in a task. It would be better worded as "Hey, can you help me with the dishes?".


This month’s piece is part 1 of a 2-part series, focusing on the differences in communication styles. This month’s topic is on ‘Info Dumping’ as an example of autistic communication styles.


Info dumping is the autistic urge to share information about something they are passionate about. It usually occurs around special interests and is unlikely to happen unless the autistic individual likes you a lot or is nervous and unsure of what to talk about but still wants to connect with you and is doing so by attempting to start a conversation over a potential shared interest. Info dumping happens when autistic individuals are near people they like and a topic they know a lot about comes up. Once that topic has entered the autistic person’s mind, it becomes hard to stop sharing information, and to do so requires a lot of self-control and awareness. Info dumping often makes autistic individuals feel excited and happy. It is not the same as sharing information - Info dumping is compulsive and one-sided, while information sharing is mutual and interactive. Info dumping is like trying to stop a train—it requires early braking and can be physically painful to stop abruptly.


Info dumping is usually talking AT someone, which can be overwhelming for another person to listen to, annoying even. As such, it is not uncommon for autistic people to receive a negative response to this, where the person smiles, nods, and then walks away. This sometimes even occurs while the autistic individual is still talking. This can be seen as rude by autistic individuals and can cause hurt and upset. It is a little bit of a personal bug bear for me – autistics spend their life being trained on socially appropriate behaviour, but then are on the receiving end of similar inappropriate social skills in this context.


So, how do you politely stop an info dump (if it is something you are not interested in)? Autistic people do not want to be annoying, if we are doing something that annoys you – tell us! The best thing is to lead the conversation where it needs to go – validate what we are saying, pause it, and redirect us to a new conversation. For instance, “wow, I can see you know a lot about [topic], this is not really why I wanted to talk to you. I will let you finish quickly, but then I would love to talk to you about [new topic]. It is really important you let the autistic person spend another 60 seconds or so after this interaction to finish what they are saying. It hurts us to not get the words out and having to stop mid-way through a train of thought. This extra time lets our brain let the thought go.


While it is important for everyone to understand what info dumping is trying to achieve, autistic individuals may need support to understand the impact of info dumping on others. If we were trying to support someone with autism to understand more about their info dumping, one of the key skills to teach the autistic person is assertiveness. This is important because we do not want to send a message to the autistic person that they cannot share their interests and must mask their individuality, but they can learn to respectfully conclude their info dumping. Giving the autistic person the skills to assertively say “I can see this doesn’t interest you, but I will just take 60 more seconds to finish this thought” is important. The other important aspect to this, is supporting the autistic person to understand why info dumping happens, as this will make it easier for them to control.



For further information about these topics and more, join our upcoming webinar or training modules.


Register here

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

New helpz Webinar: Love, Rights, and Relationships: Supporting People with Disability to Thrive

February 15, 2026
Over the weekend, many people celebrated Valentine’s Day, a time that highlights love, connection and belonging. While the flowers and cards may fade, the deeper message remains: relationships and intimacy are central parts of being human. For people with disability, however, these areas of life are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and unnecessary restriction. The truth is simple: people with disability have the same human rights to sexuality, relationships, safety and self‑determination as anyone else. This includes the right to have relationships, express affection, explore identity, seek connection, and make informed choices. Yet in practice, many people with disability continue to face barriers. From limited access to education, to overprotection, to environments where their needs are misunderstood or overlooked. As professionals in the field, we play a crucial role in ensuring people with disability are supported with dignity, respect and clear information. That’s why this month, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to highlight our online training Relationships & Sexuality for Adults with a Disability . A practice‑focused session designed to equip carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals safely, ethically and respectfully. What the Webinar Covers 1. The Rights of People with Disability: Understanding rights is the first step in upholding them. 2. Assessment of Sexual Knowledge: Many people with disability simply haven’t been given clear, accessible education. We discuss respectful ways to explore what a person knows, identify gaps, and plan education that builds independence and safety. 3. Identifying Relationship Types and Boundaries: From friendships to romantic relationships to professional boundaries, people need simple, concrete ways to understand different types of relationships. Our webinar shares tools and visuals that support this learning. 4. Traits of a Healthy Relationship: Kindness, respect, choice, trust and safety. We break down these ideas that help people recognise what healthy relationships look and feel like. 5. Teaching Consent and Pro‑Social Behaviours: Consent is more than “yes” or “no.” We cover: how to teach consent step‑by‑step how to model respectful interactions how to support people to communicate their own boundaries how to recognise the boundaries of others 6. Supporting the Need for Privacy: Privacy is a right , not a privilege. We discuss strategies to teach privacy in ways that keep people safe, empowered and respected. 7. Internet Dating Safety: Online platforms can provide connection, inclusion and opportunity, but also risks. We provide practical strategies for: teaching online safety recognising red flags supporting safe communication navigating photos, profiles and personal information 8. Exploring Personal Needs Through Accessing Sex Workers: A sensitive but important topic. We approach this area with professionalism; this discussion helps workers feel confident navigating a topic that often arises but is rarely talked about openly or respectfully. Why This Matters For people with disability, opportunities for connection are often controlled by others. Overprotection, even when well‑intentioned, can unintentionally limit autonomy, confidence and emotional wellbeing. By improving support around sexuality and relationships, we help people: build self‑advocacy form safe, meaningful relationships understand consent reduce vulnerability to abuse improve mental and emotional wellbeing experience the joy and connection they deserve Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love, belonging and intimacy are not luxuries, they are part of human life. Our role is to ensure people with disability are empowered to navigate these areas safely and confidently. Join Us for the Webinar Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your practice, this webinar will leave you with practical tools, deeper understanding and greater confidence to support people with disability in one of the most important areas of life: relationships, identity and human connection. Let’s work together to ensure every person, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to experience safe, fulfilling relationships rooted in respect and autonomy.

Disability Awareness Hub: Understanding Frontal Lobe Dementia

February 15, 2026
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder—and Why Does It Matter?

From bronze to Milano: Ben Tudhope and Australia’s road to the 2026 Winter Paralympics

February 15, 2026
From 6–15 March 2026, the world will turn its eyes to Milano Cortina for the Winter Paralympic Games. And Australia is heading there with a powerful, determined team across four disciplines: para-alpine skiing, para-snowboard, para-cross country and para-biathlon. Leading the charge is dual Paralympic medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside team captain Sean Pollard. For many Australians, the Winter Paralympics are about elite sport. But they are also about representation, resilience and reimagining what’s possible. A team built on grit and talent Australia’s 2026 Winter Paralympic team features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. Para-snowboard Ben Tudhope (2022 Paralympic bronze medallist) Sean Pollard Amanda Reid Aaron McCarthy Blair Rosser Para-alpine skiing Josh Hanlon (World Cup medallist) Georgia Gunew (with guide Ethan Jackson) Liana France Sam Tait Para-nordic (biathlon and cross-country) Lauren Parker Dave Miln Lynn-Maree Cullen With Chef de Mission Ben Troy and captain Sean Pollard providing leadership, the team heads into Milano Cortina with both confidence and clarity of purpose. Backed by more than $2 million in Australian Government funding to support preparation, training and performance, these athletes are not just participating. They are competing to win. Why this matters beyond the podium When athletes like Ben Tudhope line up at the start gate, something bigger happens. Young people with disability see someone who looks like them in a high-performance environment. Families see possibility. Communities see strength, skill and dedication rather than limitation. Sport can be transformative. It builds confidence, independence, community connection and physical wellbeing. It challenges stereotypes and expands what society believes is achievable. At helpz, we see this same transformation every day in different ways. Whether through allied health support, behaviour support, occupational therapy, speech pathology or creative therapies, our work is about enabling people to participate fully in life. For some, that might mean the Paralympics. For others, it might mean joining a local sports club, learning a new skill, returning to school with confidence or navigating everyday challenges with greater independence. Every goal matters. The road to Milano Cortina Preparation for the Winter Paralympics is intense. It requires physical endurance, mental resilience, technical precision and strong support networks. Behind every athlete is a team of coaches, clinicians, families and supporters. Behind every run is years of training. As we head towards March 2026, we’ll be cheering for Ben and the entire Australian team. Not just for medals, but for what they represent. Courage. Capability. Community. And a powerful reminder that disability does not define potential We can’t wait to see what they achieve on the snow.