ABSTRACT
Prerequisite for any communication is a tuning in between sender and receiver. The releaser-Innate releasing mechanisms (IRM) concept can contribute to an understanding of certain aspects of human communicative behavior. Cultural conventions specify as etiquette our mode of interaction and with language we acquire a particular kind of communication code that permits us to discuss present, past, future or even imagined events. People communicate primarily with acoustic and visual signals. However, tactile and olfactory signals are important in intimate relationships and may play a certain role as tonic signals. Visual signals play a significant role in interpersonal communication. Autism is a special instance of a communicative behavior disorder. Social fear, particularly a fear of visual contact, may be a decisive factor in the genesis of this behavior, but there are also other reasons that can cause someone to avoid contact with others.
