Idioms by Jasmine I believe non-autistic people use idioms the way they are meant to be used – alluding to their metaphorical meaning rather than their literal one. Now that I am older I am capable of understanding the majority of metaphors used in regular conversation. My brain does not immediately create a “literal” picture (like it did when I was younger). That being said, I do struggle with things like satire and sarcasm- I take things literally often (until I get a “clue” suggesting otherwise). Rules about idioms are not different for autistic people. Autistic people may be much more literal and have linear answers to questions about non-philosophical or creative concepts, but are definitely capable of using idioms or understanding metaphorical approaches in a creative environment; for example, if you ask me, “what time should we schedule the meeting?”, I will answer using language dedicated to time, “12 o’clock, so two hours from now?” (rather than a drawn-out running commentary that fails to specify when). There is a risk of confusion when things are unnecessarily vague. Don’t tell me “a couple minutes” when you actually mean half-an-hour, y’know? I think it would be easier for everyone if we communicated better. There is merit in being blunt when expressing yourself. Honestly saying how you feel rather than being unnecessarily vague and obtuse. It can cause a lot of issues when you need to make assumptions about what others are thinking. Sometimes idioms and metaphors are the best ways you can express yourself, but they should not be the only way you do so to the people around you.
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