Stacy,
I've gotten on your case quite a bit and have vented to the point where I'm considered the official head-case -=stalker=-
Be that as it may, I sincerely offer the following for consideration:
Due to diagnosed ADHD and a couple learning disabilities, I too have a difficult time with "communication."
But we all must work with what we have.
Almost 30 years in the work force has reinforced the mandatory requirement to strive for clear and precise communication with others. I've found that almost all of the technical issues, defects, problems, bugs, snafus, etc. I have experienced were not technical errors, but errors of communication between human beings--both senders and receivers.
Great engineers are great communicators: both sending and receiving.
Here's a ditty I picked up many years ago: "The essence of communication is intention."
So, when you determine what you are expressing does not accurately represent your intention--don't say it at that time. Be patient with yourself. Wrestle with the problem. Kick its ass. And always, always, always seek and challenge your preconceptions and assumptions.
That demonstrates real strength.
For starters, I highly recommend simply framing and asking great questions.
-Michael
P.S, In terms of execution, writing the above was difficult. The clarity and organization demonstrated consistently by Voltron (Al) and Boomana (Vicki) (and many others here--you all are way too good) inspire me. I'm grateful.