Difficulties with nonverbal communication?

[suzanne]

I've wondered about Aspergers too. I saw Heather on top model. Sounds alot like myself (wish I had her looks too). I get all caught up going thru my check lists when Im talking to somebody, esp new person. Im a starring, am i blinking too much, do I look bored, oh no I have to yawn, Can they tell im shaking inside, i need to swallow, i cant swallow, my throat is dry and stuck, i cant breath, dont breath too fast, slow down, what did they say, what do i say, why did i say that. ....................................

 

[gsmax5]

I used to use my hands a lot when I talked, but one day my uncle made fun of me and called me an "Italian".

I wish I would have known there was nothing wrong with Italians. Lol.

It's really hard to get back into the habit of using your hands once you've gotten out.

 

[Anubis]

Yea, why do you think Italians are so convincing? heh. jk But yea, that sucks. Your hands are so powerful. I'm even willing to bet that they're more important than facial expressions because they cause facial expression. If your hands are dead-fish, your face will likely be dead-fish as well.

I feel like I don't even have to gesticulate wildly to be effective either. By just walking with a partially closed fist, my confidence skyrockets. If I had to compare it to a feeling, it feels like being protected with incredible armor. Then of course I just open them up periodically when I'm feeling more and more comfortable with my surroundings. You kinda have to do it to see what I mean, but yea, I think a lot of SA people (obviously not all) feel anxious because they have this negative perception that using their hands is forbidden and rude. It's not. It's absolutely necessary for effective communication.