Accountable Communication Theory: An Integrative Framework for Understanding Cross-Neurotype Communication Breakdowns

Accountable Communication Theory attempts to develop a conceptual starting point for integrating perceptual dehumanization (PD) and interpersonal synchrony (IPS) with Cross-Neurotype Communication breakdowns. It is an integrative framework designed to explain communication breakdowns across neurotypes, particularly between autistic and non-autistic people. The theory considers the robust empirical support for differences in social synchronization patterns and organizes them with the Domains of Difference. These domains encompass aspects of immediately observable social behavior (front-end communication) and the neurobiological foundations of social behavior (back-end communication), which vary by neurotype. Differences in the back-end of communication influence the surface-level appearance of social behavior, making it difficult for non-autistic individuals to interpret autistic social behavior accurately. This framework proposes the connection between IPS and PD, as a possible explanation for why phenomena such as the Double-Empathy Problem and Dialectical Misattunement Hypothesis occur. The theory emphasizes that non-autistic individuals must take responsibility for correctly understanding and interpreting autistic communication, rather than making assumptions that lead to negative judgments, forcing autists to rely on masking to meet their needs. Promoting and adopting social skills that aid in decoding autistic communication—referred to as psychological equity and mutual accommodation—go beyond basic neuro-affirming approaches. Instead, they embody Deep-Affirmation, a value system rooted in reclaiming dignity for autistic individuals through clear communication, precise understanding, and accurate interpretation of autistic social behavior as an intervention for dehumanization.