NTs often describe people with AS as **"wooden" or "robot-like"** because of the lack of expressed emotion in words, facial expression, or body language. This creates a painful cycle: - NTs rely heavily on nonverbal communication to gauge situations ("Are people interested? Did he understand?") - Without emotional feedback, NTs feel uncomfortable or uneasy around the person with AS - The person with AS senses rejection but doesn't understand why - NTs avoid the person with AS, deepening their isolation **Case (Bill and Ed):** Bill made a joke about "ones and zeros" at a blood drive. Ed (AS) took it literally, didn't get the metaphor, and showed no reaction. Bill felt uneasy, avoided Ed afterward. Ed felt rejected without understanding why. **For NTs:** If you become upset around someone with AS, your feelings are contagious — the AS person will likely become upset too, and the situation escalates. Best to excuse yourself until calm, then state clearly what you want. **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 6 (pp148-159) See also: [[AS-NT Cross-Cultural Communication]], [[Nonverbal Communication Blindness in AS]]