Communication is the process of sharing information, thoughts or feelings between people. It involved sending, receiving and understanding messages through various forms. We can communicate through verbal or non-verbal communication.

Social communication and interaction 

‘Social communication’ and ‘social interaction’ are often used interchangeably. This includes the use and understanding of spoken (verbal) and non-spoken (non-verbal) communication, such as conversation and body language. It also includes social ‘exchanges’, such as sharing and taking turns.

Social communication and interaction skills are used to start, build and maintain friendships and relationships with other people, including in your personal life, in education and at work.

Social communication and interaction differences are part of the criteria for an autism identification, but these differences can vary widely between autistic girls.

Language 

Language is a system of sounds and symbols used in communication.

Although language differences are not part of the criteria for an autism diagnosis, language is a significant part of social communication and interaction, and research suggests that some autistic people may have differences in how they understand and/or use language. This can vary a lot between autistic people.