Individuals with Asperger Syndrome process language **literally** — a trait that can baffle neurotypicals and lead to serious misdiagnosis. **Examples from Lovett:** - Julie asks Jack to "see if his mother wants tea." Jack asks her, gets "yes," but doesn't tell Julie. When asked why: "You didn't tell me to tell you. You just said to ask her." - Asked "Do you hear voices?" a person with AS may answer "yes" (meaning they hear people speaking), which clinicians can misinterpret as auditory hallucinations → schizophrenia diagnosis. **Common verbal differences:** - Monotone voice - Unusually loud or soft voice - Words used in a completely literal way **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 1 (pp22-23, p40) See also: [[Autistic Triad]]