Do you get too specific when you talk?
Sometimes when I talk about programming or web design, I talk as if the
people listening to me have a good idea of what I m saying.
I may talk to them about PHP, Python, Joomla, Wordpress, as if everyone has
a good knowledge of web coding and web design. I used to do the same thing
as an Electrical Engineer, and people had no idea of what I was saying.
Has this happened to any of you?
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Your Aspie score: 163 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 50 of 200
I spent three and a half years in college teaching kids about science (especially astronomy). That helped teach me to simplify my speech. A seven year old just isn't going to understand me if I go into details about nebular theory or hydrostatic equilibrium. It took that experience teaching to realize that most people are like that seven year old. They may have a more adult understanding of other topics, but when it comes to the topics I'm talking about, they may only have a 3rd grade education.
So I give strangers the benefit of the doubt and start by speaking to them on an elementary school level about whatever the topic is. If they engage and show a higher level of understanding, then I speak to that. If not, I'm okay with staying at the simplified level. I don't resent people for their ignorance on whatever obscure or esoteric topic I'm talking about-- most people aren't me. They probably know a ton about some sports team or some classic movies that I know nothing about. So yeah, I just try and go into "cautious teacher mode" when I speak about a topic.
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