Recognizing Body Language in Autistic Individuals: What It Means and Why It Matters

Recognizing Body Language in Autistic Individuals: What It Means and Why It Matters

We don’t just talk with words — we also “talk” with our faces, hands, and how we move. This is called body language or nonverbal communication. It helps us connect and understand each other.

For people with autism, body language can look a little different. They might not always say how they feel with words, but their movements, facial expressions, actions, and eye contact can show us what’s going on inside. Also, just because someone is non-verbal, doesn’t mean they are intellectually impaired. In fact, many autistic people have incredibly deep thoughts, feelings, and intelligence that is expressed in different ways.

That’s why it’s so important for doctors to learn how to notice and understand these signs. It helps them build trust and give better care to autistic people and their families.

Common Body Language in Autistic People

Here are some things you might notice:

• Stimming: This means doing the same movement or sound again and again. For example, someone might flap their hands, rock back and forth, or play with their fingers. This helps them feel calm, especially when they’re nervous or overwhelmed.
• Eye Contact: Some people with autism don’t like looking others in the eye. It might feel uncomfortable or too intense. Others may make eye contact just fine. Everyone is different.
• Facial Expressions: Some autistic people don’t show a lot of emotion on their face, even if they’re feeling something inside. Others may smile or show excitement more clearly.

What Doctors Can Do to Help

Doctors can do a few simple things to make autistic patients feel more comfortable and understood:

• Get to Know the Person: Ask about what they like, what makes them happy, what stresses them out, and how they like to talk. This helps the doctor understand what certain actions or behaviors mean.
• Learn the Signs: Doctors should know that things like stimming (like hand-flapping or rocking) or not making eye contact are normal for many autistic people. It doesn’t mean something is wrong — it’s just a different way of showing feelings or staying calm.
• Change How You Talk: If someone doesn’t look at you, it doesn’t mean they’re not paying attention. If someone doesn’t smile, it doesn’t mean they’re not happy. Doctors need to be patient, speak clearly, and take time to learn how each person communicates best. Many times, doctors assume that is not important to directly talk to, or make eye contact with autistic people. However, that’s not true. Autistic people deserve respect, just like any other person. Don’t only talk to the autistic person’s caregiver.
• Be Calm and Gentle: Loud voices, bright lights, or strong smells in a doctor’s office can be overwhelming for some autistic people. A soft voice, calm attitude, and quiet space can make a big difference.
• Give Extra Time: Some autistic patients may need more time to answer questions or get used to the room. Rushing can make them feel anxious. Giving them time shows respect and helps them feel safe.
• Use Visuals or Tools: Some people understand better with pictures, charts, or written instructions. Doctors can use drawings or simple handouts to help explain things more clearly.
• Ask for Help from Family or Caregivers: Parents, caregivers, or support people often know the patient best. Doctors can ask them what works well and what doesn’t, so they can give the best care possible.

Why This Matters

When doctors take time to understand how autistic people “speak” without words, it can make a big difference:

• Autistic people feel safe. When a doctor is calm and kind, they feel more comfortable coming back.
• Better care. When doctors explain things clearly and in a way that makes sense, autistic people are more likely to follow the plan and get better.
• Less confusion. Doctors won’t misunderstand body language — like thinking someone is rude just because they didn’t make eye contact.
• Stronger trust. Over time, the autistic person and doctor get to know each other better, which helps the doctor give even better care.
• Better health. When someone feels safe, listened to, and cared for, they’re more likely to stay healthy — in body and mind.

Understanding body language isn’t just something doctors need to learn — it’s also part of being a caring person. When doctors treat each autistic person as someone who communicates in their own special way, they can build strong and trusting relationships. This helps the doctor understand the patient better, make the right diagnosis, and give better care. Most importantly, it helps autistic people feel respected, understood, and safe.

Article by: Bhumi Patel and The Autism ToolKit

Sources

Petty, S., & Ellis, A. (2024). The meaning of autistic movements. Autism, 28(12), 3015-3020. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241262151 (Original work published 2024)

Emma (2021, January 6). Autistic body language. NeuroClastic. https://neuroclastic.com/autistic-body-language/