The 'Why' of Conversation: Decoding Invitations to Connect (EP 78)

About this episode

Dr. Theresa Regan discusses the complexities of conversation and offers strategies for navigating social interactions in neurodiverse relationships.

Neuropsychologist Dr. Theresa Regan explains how everyday questions can be invitations into different conversational roles and why that ambiguity can be confusing. She offers simple strategies: ask to clarify the invitation, give a brief factual or blended response, or decline the invitation. Learning to identify the "why" of conversation helps people make clearer choices and maintain connection in ways that work for them within in neurodiverse relationships. Understanding Autism Book Series Autism in the Adult website

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Theresa Regan

Topics covered

• conversation
• neurodiversity
• communication strategies
• autism
• social roles
• clarification

Keywords

• conversation
• neurodiversity
• communication
• autism
• social interaction
• clarification strategies
• ambiguity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Autism in the Adult

Books & works: Understanding Autism Book Series

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• The Language of Play: How Fun Shapes Adult Relationships (EP76) · April 23, 2026 · 33 min
• Tasks and Togetherness: When Connection Feels Confusing (EP 75) · April 16, 2026 · 29 min
• The Hidden Skill of Connection: Theory of Mind Explained (EP 74) · April 9, 2026 · 28 min