How Does Intersectionality Affect Nonverbal Communication in Autistic People?

PostedDecember 6, 2025

UpdatedDecember 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The way autistic people express themselves is not shaped by neurology alone. Autism and intersectionality in nonverbal communication highlights how overlapping identities, such as gender, race, and broader aspects of social identity, influence how nonverbal cues are shown, read, and judged.

For example, an autistic woman who avoids eye contact may be judged differently from an autistic man, simply because of social expectations tied to gender. Likewise, cultural norms around race and body language can complicate how gestures or expressions are interpreted. These overlapping pressures show why autism and intersectionality in nonverbal communication needs more attention in workplaces, schools, and social life.

Intersectional Factors That Shape Nonverbal Expression

Here are a few ways identity can influence autism and intersectionality in nonverbal communication:

Gendered expectations

Women are often expected to smile or appear warm, making flat affect more harshly judged in autistic women than in men.

Cultural and racial context

Nonverbal styles vary widely across cultures, and autistic people of colour may face compounded misreadings of their body language.

Social identity and roles

Professional or community roles may push individuals to adopt nonverbal norms that feel unnatural, leading to masking or fatigue.

Recognising these overlapping layers ensures that autistic communication is judged fairly, not through the narrow lens of one identity.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for guidance on navigating autism and intersectionality in nonverbal communication in work and social settings.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Nonverbal Communication Differences.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.