Complex Information Processing and Neurodivergence

One significant communication barrier faced by the neurodivergent community is the challenge of understanding complex sentences, which often involve multiple clauses, complicated grammatical structures, lengthy sentences, or abstract language.

Comprehension of complex sentences requires a longer attention span, more mental processing, higher attention span, longer working memory, and sometimes interpretation of figurative language. In my blog today, I will explore specific issues neurodivergent individuals face in comprehending complex information and how it varies depending on the particular neurodivergent condition.

While communicating with individuals with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, if we form sentences with multiple clauses or intricate grammatical structures, it requires more mental effort and leads to fatigue and reduced comprehension. Similarly, neurodivergent individuals with ADHD struggle to retain attention through lengthy and complex sentences. Long sentences require us to simultaneously hold multiple bits of information in our brains. It is taxing on the working memory of individuals with ADHD to do so, resulting in incomplete understanding.

Complex sentences often use abstract language, idioms, or metaphors. People with autism find interpreting abstract or figurative language challenging. They benefit from a specific language without ambiguity. We have discussed the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in understanding the tone of spoken words. Complex sentences often convey implied meaning, making them susceptible to misinterpretation. Further, when given too much information at once, neurodivergent people tend to experience information overload because their brains process information differently than neurotypical brains. This leads to difficulty in focusing, processing information, and managing emotions.

So, what can the LinguaLink app do to break this communication barrier? We have an opportunity to simplify complex sentences using natural language processing (NLP) techniques, thus making complex communication comprehensible for neurodivergent individuals. We can also manage information overload by breaking down information into smaller chunks and adding pauses to give people time to process.

In my next blog, I will share some techniques I have been reading about that could help us achieve that!

Until then, take care!

References:

Working memory impairments in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with and without comorbid language learning disorders

Speed of language comprehension is impaired in ADHD