Content Warning - This episode includes discussion of: Experiences of being misunderstood, shamed, or corrected for communication differencesNeurodivergent masking and social challengesWorkplace and school-based communication difficultiesPlease take care while listening and pause if needed. Summary: In this episode, Bri sits down with AuDHD speech pathologist Cammy to explore the nuanced, often overlooked world of communication preferences in AuDHDers. Together, they unpack how communication is far more than just “talking and understanding”, it includes how we tell stories, ask for help, process language, use tone, and navigate relationships. Cammy shares insights from both her lived experience and clinical work, highlighting how many AuDHDers have been misunderstood or even shamed for the way they communicate. The conversation dives into directness, sensitivity, scripting, and the push-pull of AuDHD traits, while emphasising that communication is dynamic, relational, and deeply personal. They also explore the importance of self-awareness, collaboration, and accommodations, from communication profiles to visual supports, and how both neurodivergent people and their environments share responsibility in creating understanding. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to move away from “fixing” communication, and toward honouring, understanding, and supporting it. Key Takeaways: Communication is more than speech. It includes storytelling style, tone, pacing, literal vs non-literal language, help-seeking, and more. There is no “right” way to communicate. Differences are neutral. What matters is understanding and supporting them, not correcting them. Directness and sensitivity can co-exist. Many AuDHD people are both direct and deeply sensitive, which can create relational tension that needs open conversation. Relationships are the foundation. Communication works best when there is reciprocity, repair, and ongoing dialogue about what works for each person. Scripting is a valid and helpful tool. It can act as a starting point - “copy, paste, then personalise” - rather than something rigid or inauthentic. Self-awareness comes first. Clinicians (and everyone!) need to understand their own communication preferences before supporting others. Accommodations support authentic communication. Tools like communication profiles, visual supports, and environmental adjustments help people communicate the way they want to. AuDHDers shouldn’t carry all the load. Communication is a shared responsibility. Environments, clinicians, teachers, and peers all play a role. If in doubt… ask. The most powerful (and often underused) tool: ask the person about their communication preferences. You can get in touch with Cammy via email at cammy@letstalksp.com.au and over Instagram at @lets.talkneurodiversity.
