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Review
. 2025 Aug;27(8):471-481.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-025-01616-6. Epub 2025 Jun 23.

Communication in Autistic Adults: An Action-Focused Review

Ashley de Marchena  1 , Nicole Cuneo  2 , Emine Gurbuz  3 , Maci Brown  4 , James Trujillo  5 , Jennifer Bergstrom  6
Affiliations
Review

Communication in Autistic Adults: An Action-Focused Review

Ashley de Marchena et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review focuses on recent research (primarily published between 2020-2024) describing unique aspects of communication in autistic adults. We review research on communication-related outcomes, as well as four communication topics frequently cited as important to autistic people (literal and non-literal language, augmentative and alternative communication, nonverbal communication, and double empathy).

Recent findings: A substantial proportion of autistic adults do not develop fluent language by adulthood. Autistic adults frequently experience communication barriers impacting relationships, employment, and health. These barriers arise from multiple sources (e.g., language, nonverbal communication, and unaccommodating environments and communication partners). Thus, it is essential to take a multifaceted approach to supporting autistic adults to ensure their communication success. We conclude that it is vital for clinicians and researchers to understand how autistic traits commonly manifest in adults and to accept and accommodate communication differences as they arise. To that end, we offer specific recommendations to help clinicians and researchers strengthen their interactions with the autistic people in their lives.

Keywords: AAC; Autism; Communication; Disability; Language; Nonverbal Communication.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflicts of interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Examples of low- and high-tech AAC displays. a Example of a lite/low-tech paper-based AAC option using both orthographic and picture symbols to support communication. Photo courtesy of PRC-Saltillo [43]. Used with permission. b Example of high-tech AAC option, Touchchat mobile application, on an iOS device. Photo courtesy of Salus at Drexel University, Speech-Language Pathology Program. c Example of Just in Time programming using a Visual Scene Display. Contextual personal photographs are uploaded to the GoVisual application [44]. Photos contain hotspots programmed with messages for communicating with others about a recent family trip. GoVisual is an Attainment Company Software Publication; image used with permission
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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