Using Relational Dialectics Theory to Better Understand Autistic Communication Competence

Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, causes pervasive challenges in social skills for affected individuals, resulting in communicative incompetence that interferes with an individual’s quality of life. Research and literature in autism suggests that communication challenges are caused by a lack of Theory of Mind, the ability to imagine the perspectives of others. The communication challenges associated with Asperger’s Syndrome are examined from a perspective informed by Relational Dialectics Theory, which posits that competence can only be judged from an interaction and not on an individual basis. Content from an online support forum for people with Asperger’s Syndrome is analyzed for themes related to dialectical tensions and the communication challenges associated with diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome. Results provide evidence that people with Asperger’s Syndrome are able to make attempts at establishing Theory of Mind and that a dialectical perspective is relevant in discussions and research of autistic communicative incompetence.