The scurge of unstructured communications.

I have a neurodiversity, autism, diagnosis and I am really struggling with groups using WhatsApp groups to communicate. To be honest they are everywhere now, from sports clubs and groups, music followers, clubs and societies, work colleagues and the list goes on and on.

The problem is that WhatsApp groups (and similar) are all unstructured and I find having to trawl through the jokes, micky taking and other random stuff to find the meaningful information very difficult and tiring.

This is a real challenge that many neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, experience in unstructured communication environments. These challenges are very much aligned with known sensory and information processing differences associated with autism.

These can include:

•  Central Coherence: Individuals with autism often have a preference for processing information in detail rather than holistically. The constant stream of varied and often unrelated messages in a chat group can make it difficult to establish a clear "big picture" and identify the key information.

•  Sensory Overload: The sheer volume of notifications and the constant need to monitor the flow of conversation can be overwhelming and contribute to sensory overload and fatigue.

•  Social Communication Differences: Understanding the nuances of informal social communication, including jokes, teasing, and implied meanings, can be challenging, adding another layer of difficulty to navigating these groups.

Think of it less as a specific "diagnosis" for this WhatsApp struggle and more as a very real and common consequence of how your neurodivergent brain processes information in a neurotypical communication format.

Here are some strategies that might help you support yourself in these situations:

Direct Communication and Setting Expectations:

•  Politely Communicate Your Needs: In each group, consider sending a polite message (perhaps privately to the administrator or a key member if you feel more comfortable) explaining your difficulties. You could say something like: "Hi everyone, I find it a bit challenging to keep track of important information in busy chat groups. Would it be possible to [suggest a specific change, e.g., use separate threads for different topics, use bullet points for key information, have a summary at the end of discussions]? Thanks for understanding."

•  Request Direct Communication for Important Matters: If there's a specific piece of information you absolutely need, don't hesitate to directly message the relevant person to ask for it. You could say, "Hi [Name], I saw there was a lot of discussion in the group about [topic]. Could you let me know the key decision/action point?"

•  Suggest Alternative Communication Methods: If appropriate for the group's purpose, you could gently suggest if other methods might be more effective for important announcements, such as email lists or dedicated information channels.

Strategies for Managing WhatsApp Groups:

•  Mute Notifications: Mute notifications for groups that aren't immediately critical. Check them at specific times when you have the mental energy to process the information.

•  Pin Important Chats: If there are specific individuals or smaller, more focused chats within the larger group, pin them to the top of your chat list for easier access.

•  Use Keywords to Search: WhatsApp has a search function. If you know you're looking for information on a specific topic, use relevant keywords to try and locate those messages directly.

•  Star Important Messages: When you do find crucial information, use the "star" feature to mark it for easy retrieval later. You can then access all your starred messages in one place.

•  Leave Groups (If Possible and Appropriate): If a group is consistently overwhelming and doesn't serve a vital purpose for you, consider whether you can politely remove yourself from it. Explain that you find the format challenging for your communication style.

•  Utilise WhatsApp Web on a Larger Screen: Sometimes viewing the chat on a computer screen can make it easier to scan and process information compared to a small phone screen.

Self-Care and Advocacy:

•  Acknowledge Your Needs: Recognise that your difficulties are valid and stem from genuine neurological differences. Don't blame yourself for struggling with a communication style that isn't designed for your neurotype.

•  Prioritise Your Energy: Limit the time you spend engaging with unstructured chat groups, especially when you're feeling tired or overwhelmed.

•  Seek Support: Talk to other neurodivergent individuals. Many will have similar experiences and may have additional strategies to share. Autism support groups or online forums can be valuable resources.

•  Advocate for Inclusive Communication: Where appropriate, gently advocate for more structured communication practices in the groups you are part of. You might be surprised how many others appreciate clearer communication.

Remember, you are not alone in finding unstructured digital communication challenging. By understanding the reasons behind your difficulties and implementing some of these strategies, you can hopefully make these interactions more manageable and less draining. Be kind to yourself and prioritise your well-being.