This is one of a series of discussion posts based on questions from the AQ-10 autism test.

3. I find it easy to “read between the lines” when someone is talking to me.

  • Definitely Agree
  • Slightly Agree
  • Slightly Disagree
  • Definitely Disagree

Is this statement true for you? Can you think of any examples? Is it an easy or difficult question for you to answer?

You can take the full AQ-10 test here. Note this test is intended as a quick screener, and cannot diagnose or rule out any condition on its own.

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  • @[email protected]OPEnglish
    10•1 year ago

    So, gosh.

    Does anyone find it easy to read between the lines? I’ve met people that think they do, but they’re wrong. People who can spot lies, people who can read energies, people who know what you really meant, people who are just saying what everyone was thinking. They’re always wrong and they’ll never believe they were wrong. The only correct answer for anyone honest with themselves is Definitely Disagree.

    Here’s some things I know about intuiting unstated messages (“reading between the lines”).

    • people are communicating for a reason, and that reason is part of the intended message. It may be just talking for politeness or to pass the time, or it may be they want you to do something or understand something related to what they’re talking about
    • the demeanor is part of the message. Do they seem happy, sad, angry, excited?
    • sometimes, something being left unsaid is part of the message. If they say you should meet, but don’t suggest a time or place, maybe they don’t really intend to meet
    • @ladytatersEnglish
      4•1 year ago

      I’ve tried to read between the lines when communicating with people and end up either confused or reading things that aren’t there (they’re angry/frustrated when they’re not, etc). My team at work has gotten used to me asking clarifying questions and having me say “that’s good but I need to understand x”.