Why Is Understanding Metaphors Related to Emotions Challenging for Individuals with Autism? 

Emotional metaphors like “broken heart,” “boiling with anger,” or “green with envy” rely on abstract, non-literal meaning. According to NHS guidance, many autistic people interpret language literally and can find figurative or metaphorical expressions hard to follow, especially in group settings where cues shift quickly. This reflects differences in how language, context, and emotion are processed and integrated. 

Why Figurative Emotional Language Is Harder 

NICE guidance (CG142) notes that autistic adults often experience persistent difficulties understanding non-literal language such as jokes, irony, and metaphors, especially in unfamiliar situations. Structured, explicit teaching and communication supports are recommended. The National Autistic Society (NAS) add that visual teaching, written instructions, and repetition help autistic people interpret idioms and metaphors more confidently. 

What the Research Shows 

Neuroimaging studies show that autistic individuals process figurative and emotional language differently. A 2022 article in Frontiers in Communication reviewed behavioural and brain-based research on figurative language comprehension in autism and found that literal language preferences and pragmatic communication differences make emotional and non-literal meanings harder to infer. Additional research indicates that pragmatic language interventions and structured language teaching can improve comprehension by explicitly linking emotional states with metaphorical expressions. The WHO ICD-11 also recognises difficulty with figurative and emotional language as part of the diagnostic description of autism’s social-communication profile. 

Practical Supports That Help 

Evidence-based supports include speech and language therapy focused on pragmatic communication, explicit metaphor teaching using visuals and examples, and practice identifying emotional cues in conversation. These strategies align with NHS and NICE advice and have been shown to strengthen language flexibility and social understanding. 

Takeaway 

Struggling with emotional metaphors reflects a difference in social-emotional and linguistic processing, not a lack of empathy. With structured communication programs, visual tools, and practice, many autistic people can build confidence interpreting figurative expressions and expressing feelings more clearly. 

If you are exploring assessment or support, you can learn more from Autism Detect, a UK service offering private autism assessments for adults and children and aftercare to support communication development. 

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.