The world of ASD can be a complicated place with a number of common behaviours, but what about autism and oversharing?

We dive into the topic below.

Autism and saying what’s on your mind

In a world that often prizes privacy and restraint, there are individuals who defy these norms.

These individuals seemingly reveal the depths of their lives to anyone who would listen.

Such a behaviour is usually called oversharing and can confuse those on the receiving end, not knowing how to react.

We have all been in positions leaving us to wonder why some people divulge such intimate details without hesitation.

For individuals with autism, this behaviour might be more than a rarity, it could be a product of their unique communication and emotional landscape.

What is the link to autism

Oversharing is a phenomenon that can be observed across a diverse range of individuals.

It’s manifestation within the autistic community however presents a complex interplay of factors.

Autism often impacts social interaction giving rise to various patterns of behaviour that can often differ from societal norms.

This can lead to oversharing and a propensity to share personal information that others might consider too private or even uncomfortable.

Social do’s and dont’s

A crucial element in understanding why individuals with autism may overshare is their difficulty in gauging social cues and norms.

The intricate dance of human interaction relies heavily on understanding unwritten boundaries, and grasping the nuances of communication.

For many on the autism spectrum, these elements can remain a challenge, leading to unintentional oversharing.

Their earnest desire to connect and communicate, combined with an inability to perceive when they might be crossing boundaries, can lead to sharing information that others find surprising or awkward.

Another factor could be that oversharing on a topic has become a repetitive sentence. For example if someone with autism has had a recent health episode, they may default to telling everyone about it.

Can sensory factors be in play?

The sensory experiences of people with autism can play a significant role in their oversharing tendencies.

Many individuals on the spectrum experience sensory sensitivities, this is when external input can become overwhelming or distracting.

In situations where these sensitivities are triggered, individuals may lose focus on their conversation.

Or they may default their attention onto a topic that brings them comfort, often leading to oversharing about it.

For example, an individual might enthusiastically share details about a specific topic they are passionate about.

This could be an effort to self-soothe and escape the sensory overload they are experiencing.

Individual choice

It’s important to note that oversharing is not solely a consequence of autism’s challenges.

Like everyone else, individuals on the autism spectrum have a diverse range of personalities, preferences, and communication styles.

Some may indeed find it easier to share personal information while others might not exhibit this behaviour at all.

If you were to take neuro-typical people for a second, they too have a wide range of preferences regarding oversharing.

Some people you meet will instantly start telling you about personal matters such as health and relationships.

But on the other end of the scale you could know people for some time and they never share any personal information.

Kindness and consideration

Empathy and understanding are crucial when interacting with individuals who may overshare due to their autism.

Rather than labeling their behaviour as inappropriate or intrusive, it’s essential to recognise that they are navigating a complex social landscape with their unique set of challenges.

By offering patience, support, and education, we can help such individuals with autism.

Ultimately we should assist them to comfortably express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

How should parents handle an autistic child oversharing?

If a child is consistently oversharing, it’s important for parents to respond with understanding, and thoughtful guidance.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Stay calm

When your child overshares, resist the urge to react with shock or frustration.

Instead, remain calm and open-minded.

This will create an environment where your child feels safe and comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings.

Listen

Give your child your full attention when they are sharing with you.

Even if the information is unexpected or uncomfortable, listen without interrupting.

This shows your child that their feelings and thoughts are valued.

Teach social boundaries

Gently explain the concept of appropriate sharing and personal boundaries.

Use concrete examples to help your child understand when certain information might be better suited for private conversations.

Lead the way

Share stories about your own life in a balanced way. This can help your child learn what kind of information is suitable for different contexts.

Discuss different audiences

Help your child understand that not everyone will have the same level of interest or understanding.

Discuss how different people might react and encourage them to adapt their communication based on the listener.

Use role play

Use role-play scenarios to help your child practice sharing information in appropriate ways. This can enhance their social skills and understanding of different social situations.

Praise effort

When you notice your child making an effort to share appropriately, provide positive feedback.

Let them know that you appreciate their progress in understanding social boundaries.

Explain privacy

Teach your child about the concept of privacy and the importance of keeping certain information within the family.

Explain that sharing too much personal information in public spaces might not be safe.

You could use pictures to help your child learn, for example having pictures that represent your family and then explaining what you talk about just in that group.

Encourage diverse interests

Encourage your child to explore a variety of interests and hobbies. This can help them develop a more well-rounded set of conversational topics.

Summary – Autism and oversharing

In the end, oversharing among individuals with autism serves as a reminder that communication is far from a one-size-fits-all concept.

While it might take effort to bridge the gap between understanding and acceptance doing so enriches our interactions.