Dr. Theresa Regan explores how conversations move beyond exchanging information to creating connection. Using childhood play as a model, she outlines three core building blocks—making space for the other person, offering something personal, and allowing mutual influence—that help conversations feel satisfying and shared.

She explains how these principles apply in adult interactions, links them to theory of mind, and offers three reflective questions to improve everyday conversations and relationships.

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

In this episode, Dr. Theresa Regan explores how conversation often serves social and relational purposes beyond sharing facts. She explains the difference between semantic (factual) and episodic (experiential) memory, why personal stories invite connection, and how storytelling can look different across neurotypes.

Listeners will learn how to recognize conversational invitations, practice sharing sensory and emotional details, and receive stories with warmth to deepen relationships.

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

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