Understanding literal thinking in autism

Human communication is incredibly complex. We combine tone, facial expressions, body language, and more to express ourselves and understand others. Anyone can misinterpret these clues — especially with someone they don’t know very well. But for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be harder to understand the subtleties of things like sarcasm, idioms, or other nonconcrete messages. This is likely due to how autistic people’s brains work and how they tend to think literally instead of figuratively. 

While literal thinking isn’t an official symptom of autism, it frequently accompanies this form of neurodivergence. So, if you struggle to understand abstract language and are showing other possible signs of autism, talking to a mental health professional can help. A therapist can provide a diagnosis to help you better understand your experience and get the support you need.

How figurative language can be taken literally by autistic people

Literal thinking in autistic people can show up in many different ways. But neurodivergent people may have trouble understanding nonconcrete terminology, such as:

• Sarcasm: Your boss just asked you to work late for the third day in a row. In response, your coworker sarcastically asks you if you’re “having fun yet,” and you reply, “Oh, yeah — 10-hour shifts are my favorite thing!” 
• Idioms: You look out the window to see a heavy downpour and say, “Holy smokes, it’s raining cats and dogs out there!” 
• Metaphors: You were running late this morning and had to skip breakfast. Once lunchtime rolls around, you say, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” when you feel your stomach growl. 
• Oxymorons: After delivering some unfortunate news to your partner, they don’t utter a single word. In that moment, you could say that the “silence was deafening.”
• Simile: You know someone who always seems to get their way, but you aren’t sure how they do it. You could say they’re “as sly as a fox.”
• Hyperbole: You’ve been incredibly busy lately and just can’t seem to get caught up. You start each day feeling like you have “a million things to do.”

These examples show how nonliteral language can be used to illustrate a point, express a feeling, or simply bring some humor to a frustrating situation. And, as you can imagine, interpreting these phrases literally could lead to confusion, alienation, and embarrassment. For example, a person with autism may actually think you enjoy working 10-hour days just because you said it.

In addition, communication can vary across cultures, communities, and individuals. So anyone can misinterpret nonliteral language. But research shows that these difficulties might be more prevalent among people with autism.

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Why people with autism take things literally

Autism is known to cause differences in the brain’s predictive system. This part of the brain is designed to anticipate what will happen next. 

We aren’t completely sure why, but this system seems to work differently in autistic people. So they tend to have less confidence in their ability to predict what’s coming. In response, their brains may attach to the safest or most concrete options. Often, this leads them to interpret things literally, even if that wasn’t the other person’s intention. 

Communication tips for literal thinkers

Literal thinking isn’t always a negative thing. Sometimes, it can encourage honesty, clarity, assertiveness, and objectivity. But, in other instances, it can create challenges — even for people who don’t have autism. For example, literal thinking can lead to misunderstanding, frustration, social difficulties, embarrassment, and academic or occupational problems. 

But, fortunately, if your literal thinking is making communication difficult for you, there are some strategies that can help.

• Ask for clear, direct communication. That way, you won’t get confused, and you’ll know exactly what you need to do. For example, if your boss or teacher assigns you a new task, ask them to give you a written list of each step you need to complete.
• Speak up when you don’t understand something. This can be hard to do at first. But it can get easier with a little practice. For example, if someone asks if you can “be more flexible” with your schedule and you aren’t sure what they mean, let them know. Asking for clarification can help you both feel understood.
• Don’t forget about facial expressions and body language. You can also learn a lot about what someone is trying to say by paying attention to their nonverbal communication. This can be tough for some autistic people. However, many people can improve this ability with the right support.

Addressing literal thinking and ASD in therapy

Autism exists on a spectrum. It affects different people in different ways and doesn’t necessarily require treatment. But if you have autism and want to address your literal thinking, there are things that can help. 

The following supports have been shown to improve flexible thinking in autistic people: 

• Applied behavioral analysis (ABA): ABA can be used to teach behaviors that can improve cognitive flexibility and, in turn, improve social communication and reduce unhelpful literal thinking.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): When adapted for people with autism, CBT can be used to address black-and-white thinking or other challenges associated with literal thinking. 
• Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT): One of the main goals of ACT is enhanced flexible thinking through self-acceptance. This can help reduce distress related to unclear or confusing thoughts.
• Social skills training: Whether conducted in a one-on-one setting with a therapist or in a group, social skills exercises can help you become more comfortable in social settings. Communicating in a supportive environment can help you learn to detect cues, interpret figurative language, and improve your confidence.

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Everyone thinks literally sometimes. But it appears to be more prevalent among people with autism due to how their brains are wired. Sometimes, this way of thinking can be a strength. But, in other cases, it can lead to confusion and frustration — especially in social, academic, or professional settings. Fortunately, most people can improve their communication skills with the right support. By meeting with a therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent people, you can increase your flexible thinking and social skills.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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