I like the examples
@Monachopia and
@Autistamatic give. Some people, whether on the spectrum or not, tend to give incredibly detailed answers when details aren’t always necessary. I’ve had the following happen to me while talking to a (neurotypical) patient:
Me: are you experiencing any pain at the moment?
Patient: Well, back in 1965 I sprained my ankle, and then I saw a doctor, what was his name.. can’t recall. Anyway, I had a bad nosebleed in 1968 so I saw another doctor then. Very nice man, foreign guy but still nice. Kumar or something? I think maybe Indian. Their food is so weird and their cooking smells linger! I think his name was Kumar. Do you know him? I also had warts on my hands once, can’t recall when this was though-
Me: I’m sorry to interrupt you, madam, that’s all very interesting, but I need to know if you are in any pain
right now.
Patient: Well, I was getting to that! See, in 1961, my father had gout and I had to walk to school every day for five hours, and my neighbor at the time had a bad knee...
Me: Madam, I’m sorry to interrupt again, but I do not need to hear about that at this time. I need to know if you are experiencing pain right now.
Patient: Oh. No, I’m totally fine.
Me: Okay then. Next question: How many hours a week do you currently work?
Patient: Well, I started working in 1973, although one could say I started working in 1961 what with the gout and all...
Me: I’m sorry to interrupt, I think you misunderstood my question. I need to know how many hours a week you are currently working.
Patient: Well, I was transferred in 1991...
To say I got very frustrated would be an understatement.