60 replies to this topic

[Jolly Roger]

I have just had my knuckles rapped, and want to share in the guilt and shame...

Please can everyone remember that autism is a communication disability as well as a social disability - and use clear, easy to read language when posting.

We have posted advice about this in the past, and I know that there are also some NT (NeuroTypical, or non-autistic) people who prefer plain written English. Comments have been made by them as well.

It makes forum life a lot easier if everyone remembers that communication is an issue that we all need to address, so can I suggest a few guidelines:

• use lots of space in your posts - one sentence per paragraph is a good way of making your posts easy to read
• don't use abbreviations or text-speak
• keep sentences short and clear - if you can use two sentences to say something, do!
• punctuation makes life easier for your readers. I know it is easier to type a huge message without commas and full stops, and it is certainly very trendy, but I have to be honest and say that posts like that are a pain the arse to read. If you want people to read your message, then you really should make it easy for them.

Feel free to post your thoughts in response to this.

[Tatty]

I will try harder sir! I expect I am guilty!

Tatty x

[MAA2G]

Will do sir!!!! All tips taken on board and being practised.

I know I dread the non stop posts with no breaks or return key being hit to break the text up. On another forum I use this one lass will type a mammoth post over half a page long and not use return, commas or full stops, it drives me nuts trying to read her posts!!!!

[Mrs Potato Head]

Yep drives me mad too, I find them really hard to read when they are very long with no breaks. Particularly when I'm stressed out I dont just find it hard I find it impossible to read. There are times when I've wanted to offer my support but cant.
Not saying I've never done it myself mind and I'm sure a lot of my communication is far from clear sometimes
So sorry if I've confused anyone too.

[mum to 4 boys]

im guilty of it all

i just try to get out what i want to say as quick as possible

i will try harder PROMISE

[Miss Mac]

That said, no one's checking anyone's spelling or anything like that Nor is it going to be enforced. It just makes life easier for quite a lot of members if posts are easily readable.

I think they key ones to try and do if you can are to leave spaces after every few sentences and to try your best not to use txt. Some people are better at reading texts than others - it's quicker to type but much slower to read, if that makes sense.

We've no intention of discriminating against people who can't manage to write in sentences - everyone is welcome here, regardless of their abilities and disabilities. But in general, if you can, please do.

[Mrs P]

That said, no one's checking anyone's spelling or anything like that

phew!!!!!

We've no intention of discriminating against people who can't manage to write in sentences .

Double phew!!!!!!

[Glass Half Full]

Boy, that made me think when I did my last post. It's hard work.

Even with an autistic child, I just didn't think.

Although I'm pretty good with punctuation, I am guilty of long paragraphs!

I promise to do better.

Rach x

[weller23]

i am guilty i think of missing words out so will try harder

[Mozzy]

I will work on my capital letters and spelling

[mumto3]

I will check my spellings!! Got to blame my nails!!!!

[fatcat]

sorry everyone

I do not think my speeling is so good either (he he )

No, I really will try harder (sorry)

Lisa

[Spyro]

Will try my best Mr GOM!

[Jolly Roger]

Like MissMac said - it isn't a rule or anything, and I certainly won't be checking. (Although you must be aware that MissMac is a senior examiner for an English language GCSE...)

But a couple of people have commented recently that huge, unpunctuated paragraphs are pretty difficult for anyone to read. I think it's a fair point.

If you can, do try to make your posts easy to read. If you can't, or you forget, don't worry about it.

[Jolly Roger]

Bump.